THE HONORABLE ARTHUR G. CAPALDI

The Honorable Arthur G. Capaldi, 82, of Coventry, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday morning, August 11, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Patricia A. (Rozum) Capaldi for 59 years. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Arthur W. and Philomena (Amore) Capaldi.

Judge Capaldi earned a BS degree in History and Political Science from Providence College in 1965 and received his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in 1968. Judge Capaldi held numerous significant positions throughout his 55-year law career including, Coventry Assistant Town Solicitor, Coventry Town Solicitor (twice), legal advisor to the Coventry School Committee, the Coventry Sewer Authority, Anthony Fire District, and Utility Contractors of Rhode Island. He also served as the legal advisor for over 40 years with the Coventry Housing Authority and over 30 years as the special education hearing officer for the State of Rhode Island.

For the last 34 years, he served as the Coventry Municipal Court Judge and served as President of the Municipal Court Association in 2000. In 2023, the town honored him by naming the courtroom "The Honorable Arthur G. Capaldi Municipal Courtroom," a distinction he was deeply humbled by.  He also was a significant contributor to the creation of Coventry’s current Home Rule Charter and Code of Ordinances.

Arthur was a gifted artist, with his paintings gracing his law office. He was the author of 30 Missions to Marie and a history of Coventry’s town charter. A music enthusiast, he treasured his 1956 Gibson guitar, while his gardening turned his yard into a stunning park. In the kitchen, his red gravy was legendary. But his greatest joy was Sunday dinners, surrounded by his beloved family and his dog Ceasar.

Arthur's talents were wide-ranging in the Town of Coventry. He coached the OLC basketball team to a state championship, volunteered his time to plan and construct the Coventry Recreation Community Center, and organized the town's first girls' basketball team. He always made time to converse with anyone who walked into his office, whether for business, personal matters, or his favorite topic, politics.

He is survived by his children, Alisa M. Capaldi of Coventry, Justin A. Capaldi and his wife Kristen of Glocester, and Kristen C. Creighton and her husband Thomas of Cranston. He was the proud grandfather of Lennon Creighton, Jayden R. Capaldi, and Opal R. Creighton, and the brother of Steven Capaldi and the late Ella Badessa.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 9:45 a.m. from the Iannotti Funeral Home at MAPLE ROOT, 2000 Nooseneck Hill Rd. (Rte.3), Coventry, with a Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at Saints John & Paul Church. Interment will follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery in West Greenwich.  Visiting hours are Friday, August 16, 2024, from 4 -7 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to American Cancer Society AstraZeneca Hope Lodge Center — Boston at cancer.org/hopelodgeboston.

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