Daniele Capisani – In Memoriam

Writing a cliche description of Daniele and the impact he had on all of our lives is probably something he'd absolutely hate or at least incessantly poke fun at. But seeing that he selflessly conceded too much else we asked of him, it’s fitting we write one anyway. Daniele was a student of life. His inquisitive nature and unquenchable curiosity knew no bounds. It was integral in his approach to the big questions as well as in the small day to day moments and conversations he shared with his family and those around him. He was his daughters’ first and most important teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. And while he demonstrated in word and deed that the most lasting and honest source of value and purpose is devotion to family, he was this teacher, mentor, coach, and friend to many others.

For us who remain, his absence is a force in itself. There isn't a person who stumbled upon him who won't remember his manner of speech, his embellished and colorful stories, or the way his inappropriate humor could brighten the darkest of rooms or ease the tensest of moments. Daniele lived a life full of love, in a mode of being peculiar and original. Nothing describes him better than the way he met Nancy - naked on a beach in Greece, cutting a piece of leather for his long hair, reading Henry Miller, and taking long swims in the waters of the Mediterranean.

Daniele's passing presses upon us the weight of unanswered questions and the difficult truth of the inaccessibility of reason. He challenged us all to explore our emotions and beliefs, to search for understanding, and to face the unexplainable with courage and a desire to keep learning. And above all else, he would remind us of the power of love. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched - and perhaps most importantly – in how we live with and for each other.

He will shine on.

Love you Papa.