|
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of George J. Cappiello Jr., Class of 1962, one of the most devoted and consequential members of the Bishop Loughlin community.
George passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, loyalty, and love that has shaped our school and our alumni family in ways that are nearly impossible to put into words.
George arrived at Bishop Loughlin from St. Robert Bellarmine parish in Bayside, and it did not take long for him to distinguish himself. A talented and driven athlete, he was a member of the track team for all four years and earned the captaincy in both his junior and senior seasons — a rare honor that spoke to his dedication, character, and the deep respect he inspired in those around him.
He was part of a vaunted Loughlin track program, coached by Billy Miles and Hall of Famer Ed Bowes, competing alongside teammates like Tyronne Pannell, Ricardo Christopher, and Mike Zarzicki at legendary venues including Madison Square Garden, the 168th Street Armory, and Van Cortlandt Park. His leadership reached well beyond the finish line. George's classmates in the great Class of 1962 elected him Student Body President, running on the Purple party ticket — an early glimpse of the unifying spirit that would define the rest of his life.
After graduating from Loughlin, George earned his Bachelor's degree from Manhattan College and his law degree from Villanova University School of Law. He went on to build a distinguished career in Admiralty Law, a demanding and specialized field that matched his sharp intellect and relentless determination. Yet no matter how far his professional accomplishments took him, George's heart always led him back to Loughlin and to the broader Lasallian family.
His contributions to the alumni community were not just significant — they were foundational. In 1989, George co-founded the Bishop Loughlin Athletic Hall of Fame with Bill McManus '46 and served as its Chair, establishing a proud tradition. He was later inducted into the Hall of Fame himself, a richly deserved recognition memorialized on his plaque displayed on the school's first floor. In 1990, he led the campaign to restore the school's track program, fighting passionately to preserve an athletic tradition that had meant so much to him as a young man and to generations of Lions. The track was dedicated to George in 2017.
George's vision and commitment only deepened with time. He served on the inaugural Bishop Loughlin Board of Governors and became its first Chair, playing a central role in building a vital structure for alumni engagement and institutional support. He also co-founded and served as the first Chair of the Loughlin Foundation, helping to secure the school's future and advance its Lasallian mission. These were never titles on a letterhead — George poured his heart, his energy, and countless hours into every endeavor, driven by an unwavering belief in the values he first embraced as a young man on Clermont Avenue.
George's dedication to the Lasallian mission extended far beyond Loughlin's walls. He was an active member and past President of the Familiares, an organization founded to support the mission of the Long Island/New England District of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. He was also honored as an Affiliated member of the Christian Brothers in 2009 — a distinction that reflected the depth of his faith, his service, and his lifelong bond with the Brothers who had helped shape him at Loughlin and Manhattan College.
As an alumnus, a uniter, and a steadfast champion of our community, George lived the spirit and values of our Lasallian mission every day. His devotion to Loughlin, to the Class of 1962, and to generations of students leaves a legacy that will endure long after us all.
Above all else, George was a family man. He and his beloved wife, Susan, built a beautiful life together, raising three children — Koren, Matthew, and Daniel — and delighting in their three grandchildren. His family was the center of his world, and the love and values he shared with them are among his most lasting gifts.
George Cappiello was a Lion among Lions. He didn't simply remember his alma mater — he strengthened it, championed it, and inspired countless others to do the same. He will be deeply, deeply missed.
| 
