Frances E. Capetola (nee Patitucci), on September 30, 2021, of Washington Twp.  Age 95.  Beloved wife of Arthur.  Devoted mother of Joan Casta (Fred), and Dina Devine (Joe).  Loving grandmother of Makenzie D’Angelo (Chris), and Olivia Dunn (Christopher).  Proud great-grandmother of Landon, Sawyer, and Sydney.  Dear sister of Raymond Patitucci (Joyce) and the late Vera Tarasevich, Florence Procopio, John Patitucci, and Anthony Patitucci.  Cherished sister-in-law of Flossie Patitucci and Jeanette Damiano.  Loved by many nieces and nephews.

Fran was a loving wife to her husband Arthur as they celebrated their seventy-third wedding anniversary this past spring. She was the ultimate Mom and Grandmom always showing love, support, encouragement, and advice. Fran’s devotion to her family was endless.  She never missed the opportunity to celebrate the people she loved.  Whether it was a performance, sporting event, award recognition, or a milestone around the Sunday dinner table.  Her infectious smile, compassionate heart, and fierce energy were felt the minute she entered the room. She never hesitated when anyone needed her, always giving of herself selflessly. Fran loved to cook and host dinner parties. Unexpected company was never a problem as she could create a feast on demand! Hosting Christmas Eve dinners for family and friends, sometimes exceeding thirty people, was a source of joy and pride for her and her family. She would always say, “It was made with love,” and you could certainly taste it. Over the past three years she became affectionately known as GiGi to her three great-grandchildren routinely entertaining them with original songs and games. Fran would light up when any of her family came into the room. Family was everything and Fran was everything to her family; actually, she was the light in the room.

Her legacy of 95 years spans from her early years in Philadelphia to her later years in South Jersey. From a very young girl she had a love of music saving nickels for piano lessons which she continued to play almost daily. She later was involved with the Italian theater and had the honor of playing the role of Mother Cabrini. Fran sang with her two sisters; they were known as “Le Tre Stelle.” Her passion for music later turned into a career as she became Fran Dina, of Dina Management Enterprise.  She managed the careers of her daughter (Dawn), her brother (Sonny Richards), and many other artists eventually including her son-in-law Freddie’s Band (Push).  She successfully provided them with a livelihood and ultimately signed deals with major record labels.  She was not only a mentor to many of these artists, but also a second mom.

Fran was also a prominent member and female leader in the Democratic Party in the City of Philadelphia, including her role as the President of the Democratic Women’s Party and a statewide committee person in Pennsylvania.  She worked with multiple mayors, political leaders including council members, state, and federal elected officials.  Her passion for politics continued when she was honored to be chosen as a delegate at the Democratic National Convention for Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro in 1984.  She moved to South Jersey in the early 90’s and became active in local politics through campaigning for Washington Township Mayor, Gerald Luongo. She continued to remain involved in various campaigns for other elected officials in Gloucester County as well over the years. Her time in politics provided many close relationships, none more than her life-long friendship with Philadelphia City Council President Anna Verna and her dear friend Gerry Luongo.

Although a 65-year Philadelphia resident, Fran embraced her new community of Washington Township in 1990 where she was involved in many things including the opening of the Senior Center.  She shared her enthusiasm for helping Senior citizens to stay active which included teaching aerobic classes. She even brought her class to Dance! By Debra DiNote for tap lessons which culminated in a performance at the school’s annual dance recital.

Fran also became a volunteer at Kennedy Hospital, Washington Township, where she was a fixture at the front desk.  She was so proud to wear her blue volunteer jacket and was a fierce proponent for the hospital, the volunteer program, and most importantly the staff.  Through all her involvement she also developed many long-lasting relationships with community members, including Msgr. John Clarke and the Saints Peter & Paul Seniors’ Group.

To honor Fran’s legacy of kindness and endless generosity, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “The Devine Fund for Employee Assistance” which is named in honor of her son-in-law, who was the CEO at Kennedy Health and an Executive there for many years. As a longtime volunteer at Kennedy Hospital (now Jefferson New Jersey), this fund benefits staff members who have experienced personal loss and hardships. In her own words, “Be nice and considerate of others and take a walk in someone else’s shoes.”

Donations in Fran’s memory may be made to Jefferson Health foundation-New Jersey, 1099 White Horse Road Voorhees, NJ 08043.

Designate in the memo line: “The Devine Fund”

Online

https://newjersey.jeffersonhealth.org/giving/devine-fund-jefferson-health-new-jersey-employee-assistance

Services

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing being held on Thursday 8:00 – 10:30 am at the Egizi Funeral Home

119 Ganttown Road, Washington Twp. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM at Saints Peter & Paul RC Church, Washington Twp.  Interment, All Saints Cemetery, Newfield.

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”