Obituary of Angelo Joseph Canepa

Angelo Joseph Canepa, an iconic business leader in Santa Cruz for more than 50 years and a widely decorated bombardier in the Army Air Corps during World II, died at his Santa Cruz home with his family at his side, Monday, January 9, 2012. He was 94. The son of a pioneer Italian fishing family in Capitola, Canepa's parents, Luigi and Luigia, were natives of Riva Trigoso, Italy, who immigrated to Monterey Bay at the turn of the 19th century. Canepa was raised on the Capitola waterfront and was the proud captain of the salmon vessel, "The Ocean Pearl." He graduated from Santa Cruz High School in January of 1935. During World War II he first served in England from 1942 to1943 and then was sent to the South Pacific, where he served as Lead Bombardier in the 667 Squadron and flew eleven missions over Japan. He received numerous citations for his service, including the Air Medal; Distinguished Unit Badge; WWII Victory Medal; American Theater Ribbon; Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon; EAME Theater Ribbon; and a Bronze Star. Following World War II, Canepa married his wife of 63 years, Lucille. In the early 1950's he became a partner in Palomar Lincoln Mercury and later became the sole owner of the dealership which he operated until his retirement in 1981.He was also a member of the Lincoln Mercury Dealer Council. Canepa was active in numerous civic affairs. Canepa became a member of the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz in November of 1949 and was active in the organization until his death. He was the longest serving member in the club's history and served as the club's director from 1950-1951. The Santa Cruz Rotary Endowment Named Scholarship is called the "Angelo Canepa Family Scholarship." He was a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow "Plus 3." Canepa joined the Santa Cruz Yacht Club in 1959 and served as Commodore of the club in 1967. He was also active with the Boy Scouts, serving on various local committees as well as the Monterey Bay Area Council Executive Board in 1976 and then as president of the council from 1984-1985. He received the council's highest honor, the Silver Beaver Award, in 1980. In addition to his service as a Rotarian, Canepa had 71 years of membership in the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, which he joined in February 1941 at the age of 23 and later served as president. He was also an active member of the Pasatiempo Home Owners Association; the East Side Businessmen's Association; the 20/30 Club; and the Native Sons of the Golden West. Canepa is survived by his wife Lucille; his children Bruce, Cheryl and Jeff; his grandchildren Gianna, Angolee, Carrie, Carly, Michael, Arielle, Adam; and his great grandchildren, Zaiden, Stellina and Gabriella. In lieu of flowers please make donations to: The Santa Cruz Rotary Endowment, PO Box 497 Santa Cruz, CA 95061 Or Heartland Hospice Services, 824 Bay Avenue #40, Capitola, CA 95010. For Details Regarding Angelo's Celebration of Life, please contact: cpanattoni@comcast.net