The University of Valley Forge (UVF) mourns the homegoing of Pasqualino Capeci Jr., Ed.D. '57 on Nov. 28, 2015, and celebrates the life of a university hero. Capeci entered heaven at 79 years old after an extended illness.
Capeci served at UVF from 1991-2006. For more than 15 years, he served in the areas of finance, business and administration as vice president of administrative services and in the later years as an adjunct professor in the Department of Business. Capeci and his wife, Ruth, were both alumni from UVF (then Eastern Bible Institute) and returned to the university, and graciously led and supported UVF.
"When Evie and I arrived on campus and met the Capecis, we discovered in them people with amazing gifts, very deep spirituality, high integrity and selfless devotion," President Don Meyer, Ph.D., said during a chapel service on Oct. 15 that was in part dedicated to Capeci. That day, Meyer announced that the newer building, which formerly housed the Renaissance Academy Charter School from 2000-2015, was officially named, by the UVF Board of Trustees, the Dr. Pasqualino Capeci Jr. Hall. Capeci Hall, as it will more commonly be referred to, was featured on this year's annual UVF Christmas card.
As UVF's vice president of administrative services, Capeci oversaw the preparation, planning, control and management of the institutional budget and personnel office. During his leadership, former Valley Forge General Hospital buildings were demolished, a new library was constructed, all of the dormitory space was renovated, the Flower Chapel was expanded, and the dining commons were renovated along with the facilities for the building that housed the Renaissance Academy Charter School.
An educator and book lover at heart, he inspired those around him to work harder. He was a man who saw possibility and was dedicated to his vision for what the university could be. Assistant Professor Melanie Weaver worked as Capeci's administrative assistant when she first arrived to the university in 1996. "He was incredibly driven," Weaver said. "There was no task too large. He was one of the most talented people I have ever met. His expertise was not limited to one area - he knew something about everything."
Capeci was meticulous in his work. He never tired and had a passion and talent to instill in others his wealth of knowledge. He taught Weaver more than she thought possible about education and practical matters like how to brew the perfect cup of coffee. "The campus still bears his imprint," Weaver said.
His financial leadership during his time at the university as vice president of administrative services helped the university become what it is today. "There were some very critical years when they first arrived here on our campus, and I've said on numerous occasions, that it is possible that the University of Valley Forge would not be open today had it not been for Capeci and those who served on the Board of Trustees during that time," Meyer said. "And though we sorrow Dr. Capeci's homegoing, we do not sorrow as those who have no hope."
Capeci remained an honored and beloved UVF family member even after his retirement. In 2007, Capeci received UVF's Distinguished Alumni Award during homecoming. Outside of his career in elementary and higher education, he volunteered as a Sunday school teacher, served as a pastor and on church boards, counseled members in financial stewardship and provided financial advice to church and para-church ministries.
Capeci leaves behind Ruth, their two sons, Jonathan and P. David, and seven grandchildren. Jonathan Capeci has served as UVF's vice president of finance since 2001.
On Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015, the University of Valley Forge will host a memorial service for Capeci in the Flower Chapel. Visiting hours will be from 9:00-10:30 am followed by the service.
