Arthur A. Capozzi, Jr., 90, of Franklin, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Monday evening, July 6, 2026, from The Caring Place. 

While his family grieves his passing, they rejoice knowing that his faith has become sight, that he has been reunited with the love of his life, Georgia, and with his sons, Art and Rod, and that he now walks with perfect strength and sees with perfect clarity.

Born in Pittsburgh on March 26, 1936, Art was the son of the late Arthur A. Capozzi, Sr. and Angela G. Capozzi. He was one of four siblings.

A graduate of Penn Hills High School, Art earned his bachelor's degree from the former California University of Pennsylvania and later received his Master's Degree in Communication from the former Clarion State College in 1976.

In 1956, he met the love of his life, the former Georgia M. Heil. They were married on January 23, 1959, sharing 64 wonderful years together until her passing on June 8, 2023. Their marriage was a beautiful example of love, faithfulness, and devotion.

Although Art built many things during his lifetime, his greatest work was building people.

From 1960 until his retirement in 1993, Art devoted 33 years to Franklin High School as an Industrial Arts teacher. He taught students the skills of metalworking, including sheet metal fabrication, foundry work, lathe operation, and precision machining. Yet his greatest lessons were not found in textbooks or shop projects. He taught integrity, responsibility, craftsmanship, and perseverance. His students remember his familiar reminder, "The problem with 'good enough' is it isn't good enough." Long after graduation, several former students shared that they would never have finished high school were it not for Mr. Capozzi's encouragement, patience, and belief in them. There can be no greater tribute to a teacher.

Art also served his country with honor in the Headquarters, 112th Air Defense Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, based at Greater Pittsburgh Airport.

His commitment to serving others extended far beyond the classroom. He coached Weber Minute Man Little League, advised the Franklin High School Shop Club, volunteered as a literacy coach, generously gave his time at the former ABC Life Center, faithfully served with Franklin Kiwanis, and spent countless retirement hours with ToyMakers, crafting wooden toys that brought Christmas joy to children who otherwise might have gone without.

From 1960 until he entered The Caring Place in 2019, Art was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Franklin. He quietly lived out his faith through service as an usher, participation in mission projects, and the consistent example of a Christian life. One of his favorite hymns, "In the Garden," reflected the personal relationship with Christ that guided his life every day.

To know Art was to experience genuine kindness. He possessed an unwavering optimism that remained steadfast through every season of life. He survived heart attacks, bypass surgery, prostate cancer, the heartbreaking loss of two sons, failing eyesight, and eventually life in a wheelchair. Yet through every hardship, he chose gratitude over complaint, encouragement over discouragement, and hope over despair. He never allowed his circumstances to define his outlook.

His positive attitude became legendary. Whether sharing one of his famously long stories, telling a joke, or asking someone, "Please help me with your name," he had a remarkable ability to make people feel valued. Friends and strangers alike often left conversations having been encouraged without even realizing it.

Among his greatest joys were spending time with his family, especially the simple moments that became treasured memories. He loved woodworking and delighted in creating handcrafted Christmas gifts for those he loved. After Georgia's passing, he especially cherished the regular lunches he shared with his son Rick-often enjoying wedding soup, chicken from a favorite restaurant, or even a trip to Walmart for one of his favorite meals. For Art, the fellowship around the table mattered far more than the location.

The staff of The Caring Place became an extended family during his final years. Art frequently spoke of their kindness, compassion, and friendship, and his family will always be grateful for the exceptional love and care they showed him. While they would never officially admit to having a favorite resident, many quietly let the family know that Art held a special place in their hearts-a reflection of the kindness and joy he brought wherever he lived.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Rick (Angie) Capozzi of Franklin; his daughter-in-law, Ruthie Stephens of Franklin; grandchildren Tyler (Tova) Capozzi of Lock Haven, Ben (Miranda) Capozzi of Bellefonte, Artie (McKenna) Capozzi of Oil City, and Angela (Luke) Behe of Franklin; great-grandchildren Jaxon, Cora, Evelyn, Malachi, Colson, Brooks, and Alistair; brothers Louis (Sylvia) Capozzi and Richard Capozzi; sisters-in-law Thelma Jean Lloyd and Donna (Bill) Jacka; along with numerous nieces, nephews, former students, friends, and neighbors whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Art was preceded in death by his sons, Art and Rod Capozzi; his sister, Jeanne Capozzi; and his brother-in-law, Jack Heil. 

Funeral arrangements are entrusted with Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 312 W Park St Franklin, PA 16323.

Family and friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, at First United Methodist Church, 1102 Liberty Street, Franklin, where a funeral service celebrating Art's life will immediately follow at noon. Interment will take place at Graham Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Life Center of Franklin, 323 13th Street, Franklin, PA 16323, or to the Franklin Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 172, Franklin, PA 16323.

Art often reminded others, "It doesn't cost anything to be nice," and "You may be the only Bible someone ever reads." Those simple words were not merely sayings; they were the principles by which he lived.

If you were fortunate enough to be one of Mr. Capozzi's students, coached by him, worked alongside him, worshipped with him, or simply benefited from his kindness, his family hopes you will carry forward one of the lessons he lived so well-that it truly doesn't cost anything to be nice. In doing so, his legacy will continue through each life he touched.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting huffguthrie.com.