Robert Dwight Capen

Robert Dwight Capen, 79, of Kensington CT and Englewood FL, beloved husband of Marilyn Magson Capen, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005 at New Britain General Hospital, as a result of mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer. Born in New Britain, he was the son of the late Dwight and Ola Baker Capen. Formerly of New Britain, he was a resident of Kensington for over 40 years. Bob was employed as a painter, working for Lawrence Johnson Inc. for many years. He also worked as the business representative for the Painter's Union, District Council #50. He was a US Marine Veteran of World War II, serving on the USS Houston. He was a member of Kensington Congregational Church, where he served as a trustee and deacon, as well as a member of Community Presbyterian Church in Englewood, FL. He was a life- time member of the Painter's Union and a member of the USS Houston Association. Bob served as a volunteer at the Daily Bread soup kitchen in Florida. He was an avid UCONN basketball fan and N.Y. Giants football fan. In his youth, Bob was active in Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in troop 4, New Britain. He helped to organize a troop at the Klingberg Center with the New Britain Lions Club and the late Haddon Klingberg. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. In addition to his wife Marilyn of 57 years, he is survived by as a son Jeffrey R. Capen and his wife Debra of Berlin; three daughters, Linda Nelson and her husband Rick of Southington, Donna Harwood and her fianc Ken Kopacz of Higganum, Debbie Paradis and her husband Mike of Avon; a brother, Donald C. Capen of West Simsbury; ten grandchildren, Todd, Eric and Brian Nelson, Scott and Christopher Harwood, Lindsay, Andrea and Alan Paradis, Jeffrey Jr. and Lauren Capen; two great-grandchildren, Samantha Nelson and Justin Nelson; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, David Capen, and by a sister, Shirley Capen Anderson. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005 at 11:00 AM at Kensington Congregational Church. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kensington Congregational Church, 312 Percival Ave., Kensington, CT 06037 or to the American Lung Association, 45 Ash St., E. Hartford, CT 06108. Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.