Louis J. Cappelli, the office boy to the Chairman & CEO of Sterling Bancorp has died at 93
Louis J. Cappelli passed on February 20, 2024. He was born in the Bronx, NY the youngest son of immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island in 1905 from Bari, Italy. He resided for 64 years in Bronxville, New York. His wife, Virginia M. Delger preceded him after 61 years of marriage. Together they had five children: Louis, Craig (Linda Schmidt), Cheryl ( Kevin O’Malley) Michael (Alicia Tufo) and Stephen (Amy) and 10 grandchildren: Alex (Ali), Isabella, Sophia (fiancé Michael Spera), Jack, Amanda, Gabriella, Danielle, Savannah, Skyler, Luca, and Great Granddaughter, Scarlett Jennifer.) He was the patriarch of a loving and devoted immediate family and extended family.
He served proudly in the US Army in 1951-1953 during the Korean conflict, graduated from CCNY/ Baruch college in 1958 with a BBA in Accounting and was conferred and honored to receive a Doctor of humane letters in 2012. He started his career in1949 as an office boy in the mailroom at Standard Factors Corporation at $28 a week, working his way up and mentoring many along his journey to the top. Sterling Bancorp, the successor to Standard Factors, named him the Chairman and CEO in 1992 and he led the company with an indomitable spirit until 2013, concluding a 64 year run of consecutive service.
He was noted for his kindness and generosity and served on many boards of charitable organizations as a director. The Louis J. & Virginia M. Cappelli charitable foundation for over a decade has made a positive impact on humanitarian causes around the globe. He was honored with numerous awards from Catholic, Jewish and a multitude of charitable organizations. He became a Knight of Malta Equestrian order of the Holy Sepulcher in 1995.
He was proud to say what a great country the United States of America is, and the only nation where the son of an immigrant father, who could not read or write, could become the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of a New York Bank traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to New York- Presbyterian Westchester (formerly Lawrence Hospital Center), in memory of Louis J. Cappelli. Donations may be made online at http://www.nyp.org/westchester/giving or NYP Westchester-Development office 55 Palmer Ave, Bronxville, NY 10708 Designation: New labor and delivery Unit
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Merril Stansbury says
February 20, 2024 at 6:11 pmI have had such amazing moments with Mr. Cappelli. So many laughs and great conversations that will forever be etched in my memory. Thank you for your impact of positivity and strength. My condolences are with your amazing family. Much Love, Merril Stansbury
Marie Tufo says
February 20, 2024 at 10:35 pmMy deepest sympathy to the Cappelli family on their great loss.
Louis was a remarkable man who came from humble beginnings and through hard work and determination rose to great heights.
But more importantly, he was a devoted husband,father and grandfather who led by example what hard work and dedication and devotion can achieve.
He will be sorely missed.
Nikki Randa says
February 22, 2024 at 1:59 pmLou, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I met your father when he came out here to California. I was impressed the moment he spoke. He was such a an intelligent, confident man and a pleasure to be around. I know he will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Fr. Gerald E. Murray says
February 26, 2024 at 12:26 pmI offer Lou’s family my sincere condolences. I met Lou and Virginia through the Order of Malta. They were wonderful people who loved God and the Church. May Lou rest in peace.
Bronwyn Keith says
February 27, 2024 at 5:55 pmVery sincere condolences to the Capelli family. I know his son, Lou, and grandson, Skyer, very well and know this is a significant loss for the whole family. What an amazing man and what a great life! My son and I will be keeping all of you in our hearts.