Retired Colonel Michael Capitman died peacefully at his home in Alexandria Virginia on August 4, 2018. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Anne Capitman. Col. Capitman will be interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery's Columbarium at a future date, with a reception to follow.
Upon graduation from Lafayette College in 1967, Col. Capitman was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. through the ROTC program, entering active duty the following year. After attending Infantry Officer Basic Course and the Electronic Warfare Cryptographic Officer Basic Special Course, Col. Capitman served with the First Infantry Division in Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam, Col. Capitman served in the Army Reserves until 1982 when he returned to active duty through the Active Guard Reserve program. He was assigned to Third US Army at Ft. McPherson, GA. Following his tour with 3rd Army, he was assigned to Hq Intelligence Support Command and then to the Army Staff. He retired at Ft. Myer in August of 1996. During Col. Capitman's career, he graduated from the US Army War College, attended the Joint Operational Planning System Course, and the Military Intelligence Officer Advanced Course.
Col. Capitman’s awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal w4 OLC, Army Commendation Medal w/2 OLC, the Army Reserves Component Achievement Medal w/2 OLC, National Defense Service Medal w/2 OLC, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/2 OLC, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon w/2 OLC, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Army Staff Badge.
Raymond Pompilio (1963)
Mike was a gentle giant--he always treated me well, and I enjoyed his infrequent company over the years. This fellow Vietnam vet salutes you Mike--RIP!
Walt Talarek (1964)
I grew up with Mike on Spencer Place. We played football, both touch and tackle, baseball, softball and stickball in the neighborhood yards and streets. Mike was always the largest amongst us, and being the largest was the leader and referee during the many, many games, which oftentimes stretched througout whole days. Despite his size, Mike was a friend to all of us and always fair in his decisions. I lost touch with Mike when he went away to college, which I regret. I know he has gone to a better place. God bless.
Walt
James J "Skidsey" Carpenter (1963)
I had many great and numerous memories with Mike during our time at PHS. I could go on for days, however, as Mike said during our state champions induction into the PHS Athletic Hall of Fame: : Keep it short". So I will. We will miss you "Big Daddy #73:. Skids "51"
Davis Lee "Butch" Turner (1963)
A sad day!
It seems like only yesterday that Mike and I along with a bunch of other great guys were playing football a PHS. I had the honor of playing right next to Mike on the left side of the offensive line. It’s hard to believe that more that half a century has passed, and that Mike is no longer with us. He will be missed by many.
Mike was a great friend and teammate and obviously served his country with honor and distinction. I’ll always cherish those good times “back in the day” and always have fond memories of Mike.
Butch (Bulldog) Turner (64)
Barbara Marie Samuels (Swann) (1963)
I'm so sad to lose our Mike! My freshman prom date! I saw him play football at Lafayette along with my cousin, Larry Gannon. He was as nice as he was smart; a gentleman and a success at anything he did! Rest in peace, Mike!! Love, BarbBarry J Goldstein (1963)
I was sadened to hear of Mikes passing. He was always so full of life. He was truly one of the good guys. I am proud that I can say he was my friend.May he rest in peace.
Barry Holt (1963)
Mike was also a dear friend as many have indicated. Never met anyone who had a negative word to say about him. Lafayette played Rutgers in football every year...so I saw he and John Bournel play for them. What a kick. I was also an ROTC graduate and served during some of Mike's time. I followed his extraordinary military career. He'll always be remembered! RIP.
Donald Richard Sanns Jr (1963)
Mike was a good friend, teammate and an outstanding individual. RIP l’m sure you’ll make the team up there.
Maddalena "Muffie" Malni (Pascoletti) (1963)
Even if I didn't have much of a chance of knowing him well, I do know that Mike was a very nice man. I looked through my various souvenirs and I found this note, that he wrote to me at our 20th Reunion. I'll try to post it because there is a very loving comment about his wife Anne.
I'll miss thinking of him as one of the bunch of dear friends from the great Paramus High days!
Maddalena "Muffie" Malni
Barry Ross (1963)
Having had the opportunity of knowing Mike, both in and outside school, I can say that he was a true friend. He was the consummate gentleman and he was always upbeat and congenial. Whenever I think of him, I can only think of positive attributes. He is missed.