Dr Richard Capriotti M.D.

Dr. Richard D. Capriotti, M.D., Blue Ball, PA, died a peaceful death on November 21, 2015 after a 14 month battle with lung cancer.

He left behind his beloved wife, of 45 years, JoAnn, and their five children: Diana Capriotti and her husband,Kevin Labick; Joseph Capriotti, M.D. and his wife, Maria Goretti Acuna; John Capriotti; Maria Capriotti; and Nicholas Capriotti and his wife, Kara ( Dixon ) Capriotti, M.D. He also leaves nine treasured grandchildren: Peter, Clara and Henry Labick; Alba, Gonzalo and Lucia Capriotti Acuna; and Vail, Vita and Vera Capriotti. His mother - in - law, Rose Decio;, sister, Bernice Newberry and her husband, William; brother Dennis Capriotti and his wife, Sandy; and Robert Capriotti, M.D. and his wife, Marlene. He is also survived by a large, loving extended family.

Dick, as he was know to friends and family, was the son of Diana (DiGiacobbe) and John A. Capriotti, D.D.M. He was a native of Gallitzin, PA and moved with his family to Altoona when he was 13 years old. He regaled all who knew him with stories from his youth and high school days.

A 1962 graduate of Bishop Guilfoyle, Dick's 50th high school reunion was a highlight of his recent years and something he talked about through the last year of his life.

After graduating from the University of Pittsburg in 1966, Dick attended Hahnemann Medical School in 1970. He completed his medical training at West Virginia University.

Dick served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy from 1971 - 1973.

As a Board Certified Ophthalmologist, Dick opened his practice in 1976 in his father's former dental office. He closed his doors in 2014 upon receiving his diagnosis. In the 38 years he practiced, his office was a welcoming place to all thanks to his dedicated staff, Ida, Tammy and Theresa. Dick served his pstients with the best medical care and a strong dose of his well - known humor.

The hundreds of cards that patients, friends, classmates, and colleaguess sent Dick during his battle with cancer brought great comfort to him and JoAnn after they moved to be close to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for treatment. It was with great joy and silent courage that Dick defied all expectations and lived nearly pain - free for 14 months after his initial diagnosis.

Friends will be received at Jones Funeral Home on Friday, November 27 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 28.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Catholic Relief Service at www.CRS.org or mail at P.O. Box 17090 Baltimore, MD 21297 - 0303; or the Blair County Chapter of the American Red Cross at 415 Orchard Ave, Altoona, PA, 16602. The family would also be grateful for any prayers or masses offered on Dick's behalf.