Izedin Capollari, a Town of Newburgh, NY resident since 1982, formerly of Beacon and Poughkeepsie, passed away at Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, while surrounded by family. He was 79.
Son of the late Ramadan and Behije (Fasho) Capollari, he was born in Pogradec, Albania on October 17, 1943. Izedin emigrated to the United States from Albania in 1967. The story of his emigration to the US is that of Eastern Bloc and Cold War folklore.
For many years, he worked as a machinist for Brunetto Cheese Manufacturing Co. in Beacon, retiring in 1988. A skilled handyman, he had a thorough knowledge of construction and could fix anything around the house in addition to working on cars. His hobbies included gardening, fishing, and a profound love of German automobiles. He opened his home to many Albanians who came to this country in later years and served as an advisor to the families who were seeking guidance on getting settled in the new land.
Izedin was incredibly proud of his Albanian heritage and loved explaining cultural traditions and sharing stories of his past. He'll be remembered as a man of great integrity, strong family values, very strong attention to detail, "doing the job right the first time," and an incomparable work ethic. While slow to adapt to the American culture and way of doing things, Izedin was surprisingly a big fan of U2, Robert Palmer and Steven Tyler of the music group Aerosmith.
On February 16, 1970, he married Anife (Alioska) Capollari in North Macedonia, formerly Yugoslavia. He was predeceased by his wife on November 5, 2022.
Survivors include his son, Mersin Capollari & his wife Jennifer of Beekman; his son, Virgil Capollari of Fishkill; his daughter, Ardiana Cekici & her husband Jurgen of Newburgh; his brothers, Husen Capollari, Nexhat Capollari, and Safet Capollari; his sister, Mukades Cake; as well as many nieces, nephews, countless cousins and other relatives, both here in the US and all over the world.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 28 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill, NY. A graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 29 at Wappingers Falls Rural Cemetery, 188 West Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY.
For online tributes, you can visit Izedin's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.