Deaths: Frank Cappitelli

Frank Cappitelli

Frank Cappitelli, former interim chief of the UIC Police, died June 1 after a 21-year battle with reoccurring cancers and health complications. He was 66.

Cappitelli joined the UIC Police about 12 years ago as commander of the Field Services Division after a 31-year career with the Chicago Police Department. He was a patrolman, detective, assistant director in the city’s Office of Municipal Investigations and homicide coordinator for the Chicago Police Department’s Detective Division.

“He was one of those good, solid guys,” said Mark Donovan, vice chancellor for administrative services. “You always knew where you stood with Frank.”

As commander of the UIC Police Field Services Division, Cappitelli oversaw general operations, including patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, policing strategies, prisoner processing, warrants, inspections and more.

He was named interim chief in July 2014 after the retirement of former chief John Richardson. He retired from UIC in January 2015.

“He really helped bridge the time between leaders and made sure that things moved ahead,” Donovan said. “He always had the best interests of the UIC Police Department in mind.”

Cappitelli was also an alumnus — he received a doctorate in public policy
analysis in 1996 from the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs. He was also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

He received numerous commendations and awards, including the Cook County Sheriff’s Police “Award of Merit.”

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary Kay (Philbin); his children, Frank, Katherine and Colleen; brother Philip (Patricia); sisters Joanne (Bill) Alberts and Patricia A. Cappitelli; brother-in-law John (Jacqueline) Philbin; and many nieces and nephews.

Services have been held.

Donations in his name can be made to the Chicago Police Chaplains Ministry, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607; or to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, 1407 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607.