Obituaries

Ernest Thomas Capizzi, 64

Ernest Thomas Capizzi was born on January 23rd, 1953 in Jersey City, New Jersey. From there, he was raised in Hoboken, the eldest son of Elizabeth and Thomas Capizzi. He grew up surrounded by a large, energetic family, from his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, to his three younger siblings. They had a fig tree in the backyard. In 1977 he moved to Lancaster, PA, where he met his wife and partner of 40 years, Tina Marie Capizzi. Together, with Ernie’s first wife, Carolann Capizzi, they raised four children: Thomas, Jude, Jordan and Devon.

He is survived by five grandchildren: Madison, Taylor, Emerson, Thomas, and Brooklyn.

Ernie spent his days dancing in the kitchen, pouring over magazines, and sneaking treats to dogs, hiding cookies in his pockets. I have never met a person so interested in everything and so intensely invested in everyone around him. He was a supportive father, a voracious communicator, and a beautifully generous person. He will be missed for all of these things, but, perhaps most of all, he will be missed for the lighthearted feeling he brought into any room he entered, the way you could hear him whistling before you saw him walk through the door, and the way his face broke apart when he smiled. In short, he will be missed for all the little things that only he could do.

We love you so much, and we will miss you forever.

A service celebrating the life of Ernie will be held on Wednesday October 11, 2017 at 2PM at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. A viewing for family and friends will be held at the funeral home from 12-2PM.

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page


Be sure to include your name

Please note that your condolence will not appear on this page until it is reviewed. Condolences usually appear within 24 hours of being submitted.

Condolences to the Family

May 28, 2021

Tina and family, here it is 2021 and I just learned of Ernie’s passing. What a shock. I think of him often but last saw Ernie in 2011. Ernie was the best! Without a doubt, the most talented textile man I ever met. It truly was an honor to work for him. May GOD bless you all. Rick Underwood

October 11, 2017

Dear Tina, Jordan, Devon and family,
We are so saddened to hear of your loss.  Some things never end, like love, memories and the legacy of a life that truly had meaning.  We wish you all peace as you remember the very special man Ernie was.  We have made a contribution to the Central PA Food Bank in Ernie’s memory.
Stuart, Cyndie, Ben and Sam Goldberg

October 11, 2017

Tina my heart aches for you and your family. I know your life is forever changed. Cherish your memories, lean on your family and friends and know that many people love you and are praying for you.  Ernie will be greatly missed by many many people. With sadness in my heart for you, Liza Mishler

October 11, 2017

Tina, Jordan, and Devon
so very sorry for the huge loss in your family of your father and husband.
hoping God is near and you can feel the peace he imparts
 
sincerely
sue ziemer

October 11, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. T&P Stasczak

October 11, 2017

 We send our condolences for your loss, our prayers and thoughts are with all the family. Sincerely, Bay Island Sportswear staff.

October 11, 2017

Tina and family, So sorry to hear of the passing of Ernie. Thoughts and prayers for this time. P.klopp
 

October 10, 2017

Tina, Thom, Jude, and family…I’m so sorry to hear of your loss.  The words shared about Ernie are so beautiful and true! Peace and love, Tanya Stauffer

October 10, 2017

We are deeply  sorry for your loss . Our condolences.  Di Maggio Family

October 10, 2017

Very best thoughts to you. Lovingly, Lois Marquardt
 

October 10, 2017

Tina,Thomas, Jude, Jordan & Devon,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Ernie was a great leader and cared about family more than anyone I know. I’m sure he will be looking after all of you always. The Rajan Family

October 09, 2017

Tina, Jordan, Tom, Devon and extended family, I am so sorry. Ernie was a wonderful man always so helpful and supportive of his family and friends. I was lucky to know him. My prayers are with you and your entire family. Love Henrietta

October 09, 2017

I have known  the family for 30 years I’m truly  sorry to hear he passed he was a funny generous  man

October 09, 2017

Tina and family, Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Ernie was truly a one-of-a-kind who did light up the room when he entered. Your lives will change but the memories and wonderful values will be carried through you, his children and his grandchildren. He alwys had a message to share when we takled with him, we will continue to appreciate his sage wisdom. Take care of yourselves and find peace. John and Barbara Titus

October 09, 2017

I am incredibly sorry for your sudden loss Tina and the family.  I worked for Ernie a few years ago.  He had a strong personality and was a kind generous man.  He will be greatly by all who knew him.  Thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
My deepest sympathies,
Wendy (Harris) Stengel

October 09, 2017

Tina, Devon and the whole family.  We are so sorry to hear of your loss.  Ernie was a great man.  He was always willing to share a story, and enlighten the world around him.   We will never forget the many hockey trips, and sitting in cold ice rinks with Devon’s hockey team.   
Our prayers are with you all.  
Dave, Debbie, and Courtney Crossett

October 09, 2017

To Mrs. Tina Capizzi and Family, I was very saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Mr. Capizzi. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Mr. Capizzi was a very kind man and always had a smile whenever I saw him. I delivered your Lancaster New Era afternoon and Sunday papers for several years, until I became very sick in late 2004.and was no longer able to do so.
I will always remember one very snowy afternoon, while I was attempting to make my deliveries. My van got stuck in the ice and snow, while trying to come up the hill. At the time, I had my three youngest of seven children, in the van with me. Two of them were still in car seats and became scared and upset, because I was not able to maneuver the car up your driveway. The more I tried, the more difficult it became. At one point, the van started sliding down the ice, backwards towards the main road. Although I tried to remain calm, the two little ones were in tears. I didn’t know what to do, I was unable to push the car alone and couldn’t leave the children to get help. 
I was about to get the children out of their car seats and walk up to your home, when my youngest son, who was about 5 or 6 years old, started praying for God to send us a hero! It was snowing pretty good at this time, and starting to get a little dark. Within a few seconds, we heard a man’s voice,(this was Mr. Capizzi) asking if we were ok and telling us he would be right back! He returned very quickly, with one of his sons. Both of them were wearing hooded jackets, gloves and special boots– made for ice and snow.They were able to push my van, out of the snow and save the day!! 
After we were safely back on the road, my youngest son said to me, “Do you know who those men were, Mommy?” I started to answer him, when he said, “That was Batman and Superman, I prayed for God to send you a hero and he sent them to help us!” He said this with absolute certainty! And when we got home, he relayed the whole story to my husband and his other brothers and sisters. To my small son, they were heroes and not just any ordinary heroes, they were Superheroes–Batman and Superman!! 
I wanted to share this beautiful memory with you, to perhaps put a smile on your sad faces at this time, to let you know I was thinking of all of you. I lost my husband, Steve, to cancer, four years ago. He was only 64 years old, and I was a widow at the age of 50, with seven kids, nine grandchildren, and one on the way. And my husband was the head of our lively bunch, and my loving husband and soulmate. I will continue to pray for you, Mrs. Capizzi, and for all of your children, their spouses and your grandchildren. May you feel God’s love and comfort at this time, and may all the wonderful memories you shared bring you joy and even a little laughter, while you are going through this sad time. May peace and love be with all of you. With love and caring, Mrs. Rose Bernstein(formerly of Rabbit Hill Road, Lititz)

October 09, 2017

Dear Tina & Capizzi Family,
Dave and I are so sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing.Please accept our sincere condolences and know that you all are in our thoughts & prayers!
Dave & Bev Wanchalk (Westgate)
 

October 09, 2017

Dear Tina, Jordan, Devon and family,
What a shock to learn of your loss!  Your family created many warm and wonderful memories from our time spent together in and out of the classroom.  Know that I am with you in spirit and in sorrow.  May your happy memories spent as a family comfort you.
With love,
Jo Anne Farley

October 09, 2017

Rick and  I were very sorry to hear about Ernie.  We both enjoyed working with him at Skip’s. We are so very sorry for your loss, your family is in our thoughts and prayers.  Very sorry for your loss.   Rick and Karen Fry

October 09, 2017

To the entire Capizzi family my heartfelt sympathy is with you all. I am in shock at the news and just wanted to let you know that Ernie was the best customer I have had in my 45 years in the textile business, but more importantly a dear friend for 35 years. I know how much he loved his family as he always gave me updates every time we met and what a positive influence he has been in my life. God Bless the Capizzi Family

October 09, 2017

Ernie was one in a million.   Always thinking of others and asking about their families.   He was a great person all around and surely will be missed by many.  My deepest and most sincere sympathy to Tina and the entire Family.   Much love always! Norma Yacklovich

October 09, 2017

Thinking of your family and hoping you are filled with peace, love and light through this difficult time. 
Doreen Landis

October 08, 2017

Ernie was not only a great guy to work for, but a friend, a personal adviser about business and in personal life. A true entrepreneur always working on something! A man that loved his family friend And Fun to be around,
We Will miss him!
Our deepest condolence to entire Capizzi family.
May God bless his hart rest his soul in peace –   Vikas & Priti Naik 

 

October 08, 2017

Dennis & I are so sorry to Hear about Ernie,  You and the family are in our prayers and you have our deepest sympathies,
Dennis & Diane LaMonica, your westgate neighbors
 

October 08, 2017

We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. We send our prayers for strength and courage as you go through this very difficult time. 
Randy, Winona and Chrissy (Cricket) Smith

October 08, 2017

My deepest sympathy Tina and Family. Ernie and I had a couple of ups and downs when I worked for him, but all in all he was a good guy and almost always made me laugh. Sometimes his bark was worse than his bite! He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and especially his loving family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. 
Fondly, 
Debbi Burkholder

October 08, 2017

Ernie was a regular at my coffee shop where I barista, he was in every few days for a gibraltar with a touch of sugar. His fun-loving personality always lit up my day and I always felt inspired walking away from a conversation with him. Ernie will be deeply missed in all of our hearts at Square One. My love and prayers go out to Ernies friends and family. Taylor Mihaljevic.

October 08, 2017

Thomas and Heather and Family , We Are So Sorry For The Sudden Loss Of Your Father. We Send Our Heartfelt Condolences To You and Your Family at This Time Of Sadness. Your Entire Family Is In Our Prayers. Sean C. Bruce and Family

October 08, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss,Earnie and Tom at one time employed my entire family.He was a kind generous man. If you ever needed anything they were there.As young employees he taught us all that hard work pays off.My condolences to the entire family. Love you all!!! Mike Gahring ll

October 08, 2017

They always say you need to be a light in this world to make it brighter. Ernie was certainly that light. He was one of the most giving and caring people I have ever met. His love for his family was expressed by his big smile when he spoke about them. He was the old school no nonsense kind of guy with one of the biggest hearts. He will be missed nut not forgotten. My family is so blessed to have known him. My prayers, love and hugs go out to Tina, Tom and the entire Capizzi family. Deirdre Stevens 

October 08, 2017

My deepest sincerely condolencias to the capazzi  family u are in my prayers I work for him many years he was a very nice and loving person to me my name is omayra Ortiz the family sure remember me love many blessings to all

October 08, 2017

My Heart and prayers go out to all of the Capizi family!  Ernie was such a fun man to be around! My son and I enjoyed many times around the golf course with Thom and Ernie! And lots of interesting stories!  So sad and sorry for your loss ! 
Kurt Baker 

October 08, 2017

So very sorry for the loss of Ernie. It is still so hard to believe. My prayers are with his friends and family.
Deb Aukamp

October 08, 2017

I’m so sorry for your loss Tina. I have very fond memories of the times spent with your family and Ernie. He was one of a kind. May you all find peace and comfort in the following days and always.
Annette (Stoltzfus) Greer

Visitation
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Services
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
2:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Send Flowers Online

Offering Lancaster, PA funeral services for over 75 years.

Our six funeral homes in Lancaster County makes it easy and convenient to make arrangements and host services close to home.

  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Downtown Lancaster
  • 414 East King St.
  • 717-393-9661
  • Charles F. (Chip) Snyder, Jr. Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lititz Pike
  • 3110 Lititz Pike
  • 717-560-5100
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Millersville
  • 441 North George St.
  • 717-872-5041
  • Mark D. Burkholder Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home Lititz, PA
  • 127 South Broad St.
  • 717-626-2317
  • Jacqueline Adamson Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Bachman-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory Strasburg, PA
  • 7 South Decatur Street
  • 717-687-7644
  • Norman T. Mable Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Willow Street, PA
  • 2421 Willow Street Pike
  • 717-464-4600
  • Kelly Gramola Townsend Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info