Joseph V. Capellupo, 63, of Wyomissing, passed away April 6, 2014, in the Reading Hospital.

Born in West Reading, he was the son of the late Vincent W. and Florence D. (Gazzillo) Capellupo.

Raised in a bilingual Italian-American household, he was proud of his heritage and devoted time and talent to the Italian community, serving as chairman for the Italian Heritage Festival.

He was in the first graduating class of Holy Name High School, 1968; and earned his BS in Elementary Education from Kutztown University and his Master's degree in Educational Administration from Temple University.

Joseph was a teacher at Northwest Elementary School. He left education to begin a career in real estate and construction, first by creating All Star Realty and shortly thereafter Capellupo Construction.

He was very passionate about his businesses and cared deeply about their quality and success. Most recently Joe was employed by Coldwell Banker Real Estate, last working on Sunday.

He was an avid sports fan, loved to play golf and enjoyed hockey, baseball, and football. He was a devoted father and enjoyed spending time with his family and cooking with them. He was an animal lover, always holding a special place in his heart for his cats Stu and Nonnie.

Joseph was committed to his community and politics. He ran for Reading City Council, was a committee member for the Obama campaign, was past chairman for the Reading Housing Authority and was a past president of both Spartaco and the Home Builders Association.

A man of deep faith and belief in others, his final act of charity was, in death, donating through the Gift of Life Donor Program.

He is survived by his two daughters, Alicia R., wife of Greg Lynch, Weston, FL; and Stephanie R. Capellupo, Reading. Also surviving are his sister, Carmela Capellupo-Beaver, wife of Thomas W. Beaver, Esq., Wyomissing; and Joseph's nieces and nephews: Anna C. (Beaver), wife of Scott Schweigert; Vincent W.C. Beaver; Maria R.C. Beaver; and Thomas A.C. Beaver.

Services will be Saturday at 10 a.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading. A visitation will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to Gift of Life, 401 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, or Animal Rescue League of Berks County, P.O. Box 69, Mohnton, PA 19540.

Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.