Marshall P. Cappelli

In Loving Memory of Marshall Peter Cappelli (April 9, 1928 – June 12, 2026)

Born on April 9, 1928, in the Bronx, New York, Marshall lived a life defined by service, leadership, learning, and devotion to family. He passed away after a remarkable journey that spanned nearly a century, leaving behind a legacy that touched countless lives.

Graduating from William Howard Taft High School in the Bronx, New York, Marshall immediately answered his nation’s call to service by enlisting in the United States Navy. This marked the beginning of a lifelong dedication to public service. Possessing a natural talent for mathematics, he went on to attend Fordham University, where he earned a place on the Deans’s list and a degree in Accounting.

He married his true love, Virginia Mae Reichert, and together they built a beautiful family, raising eleven children and creating a home filled with faith, love and hard work. He possessed extraordinary spirit. He was a man of immense conviction, deep rooted family values and a sense of humor. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family, and always had energy left to plan memorable family vacations. He insisted on gathering his children around the dinner table nightly, orchestrated weekend adventures to expand his family’s horizons, and encouraged his children to participate in competitive sports; rarely missing a game. He was an anchoring presence in their lives. His eyes would light up with pride and love when discussing his grandchildren. He instilled in his family that true wealth is not measured in material things, but in the love shared between one another.

He continued serving his country while utilizing his accounting expertise, he first joined the US General Accounting Office which then lead to a 34-year career with the Internal Revenue Service. What began as a promising career evolved into an extraordinary one. Over the decades, his leadership and vision took him from New York City to Washington, D.C., back to New York City, and ultimately to Buffalo, New York. Along the way, he rose through the ranks of the IRS, serving in increasingly significant leadership positions, from Assistant Commissioner in New York City and as the District Director in Buffalo.

Throughout his distinguished government career, he spearheaded efforts to modernize technology and improve operational efficiency within the agency. His innovative leadership earned him the respect of colleagues and public officials alike. He was an active member of the Buffalo civic community. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was honored as Executive of the Year by the Italian American Society. He was also presented the Key to the City of Buffalo by the Honorable Mayor James "Jimmy" Griffin.

Following his retirement from federal service, he briefly entered the private sector, serving as President of a Buffalo-based real estate development company. His expertise remained in demand. He was invited to consult with the International Monetary Fund, traveling throughout the world and hosting dignitaries from numerous countries. Through this work, he shared his knowledge and helped governments develop efficient and effective revenue systems.

In 1986, he and Virginia retired to Lake Keowee Key, in South Carolina, where they embraced a rewarding new chapter centered around golfing and boating. As one of the original founding board members of the Keowee Key Property Owners Association, he played an important role in the strategic planning and development of what would become a thriving lakeside community.

Retirement never lessened his passion for learning and service. He volunteered as a lecturer in Clemson University's School of Business, sharing his extensive professional experience with future generations. Reflecting a lifelong commitment to intellectual growth, well into his 60’s he enrolled in Clemson University's Department of Philosophy and Religion, spending 8 weeks in Israel and Egypt as part of his coursework, proving that the pursuit of knowledge has no age limit. A lifelong student of the world, his extensive travels took him to all 7 continents.

He remained a voracious reader and thoughtful conversationalist. Whether discussing history, economics, politics, science, or philosophy, he approached every topic with curiosity and humility, always seeking deeper understanding. In his later years, his newest intellectual pursuit became the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence, which fascinated him until the very end.

Above all, he cherished his family, recently re-locating to Wyckoff, NJ to be closer. He is survived by his children: Peter (Marie), Jan, Charles, Marybeth (Scott), Doreen (Carlos), Gerard (Jodie), Lorrie, and Michael (Jennifer); 16 beloved grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren, (2) great-great grandchildren, and 9 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Virginia, by three of their children (Lynn, Denise, Marshall John), his brother Michael, sister Josephine, and youngest brother Louis.

His life was one of service, achievement, and lifelong learning. He leaves behind a legacy not only in the institutions he helped improve, but also in the family he loved and inspired. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Funeral Mass is planned for Saturday July 25, 2026 10AM at St. Elizabeth's R.C. Church 700 Wyckoff Ave. Wyckoff, NJ. Inurment to follow at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah, NJ 07430

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St. Jude's. 

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