COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Capalbi was recently appointed president of the Queensboro Hill Neighborhood Association, which is a neighborhood group of volunteers that advocates for a better community. Capalbi is also a supporter of Camp Sunshine, a resort in Maine that offers a free week vacation to families that have a child with a life-threatening illness. It is one of the only programs that provides a vacation for the entire family. “It’s truly a full-fledged resort that has everything a kid could want for a vacation,” Capalbi said.
PERSONAL: Capalbi, grew up in Astoria and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Long Island University in Brooklyn in business management and leisure. He has been living in Queensboro Hill for the past 30 years and is currently taking care of his 97-year-old mother.
JOB: Capalbi works part-time as a community liaison for Queens Assemblymember Grace Meng, who represents the 22nd Assembly District in Flushing. “My community liaison work keeps me abreast of issues facing the community and gives me the opportunity to help keep her [Grace] on top of local issues.” In addition to working with Meng, he spends most of his time working in the travel arena of Away U Go Travel, which is focused on travel for people with disabilities.
PROUDEST MOMENT: “I am proudest of myself when I have done something that benefits someone less fortunate than I. It’s a matter doing something that makes you feel good.”
FAVORITE MEMORY: Capalbi said his favorite memories are going to Yankees games with his father. When his father passed away, Capalbi struggled with going to games by himself until he found out that Con Edison had a program that took busloads of children in Queens to Yankee games. When he got older, he decided to buy Yankees tickets and distribute them to the Variety Boys and Girls Club in Long Island City. In the process of getting more people involved with helping children, he came across the Bronx Lions Club where he has helped donate hundreds of Mets and Yankees tickets.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: “Having the time to do everything. I have a full plate, and it is tough to get everything done.”
INSPIRATION: Capalbi’s meaning of life: “Life has no meaning unless you put meaning into it.” -Jennifer Bowman
