James Capobianco

PLAINFIELD-James “Jim” Capobianco of Plainfield, Vermont died peacefully at home on January 15, 2024. He was 80 years old. Jim was born on February 6, 1943 to Ralph Capobianco and Lillian (Viola) Capobianco. He grew up in Brooklyn NY and Long Island NY, went to school at Boston College and New York University, and as a young adult lived in Manhattan NY and worked for Citi Bank (known as First National City Bank at the time) as an Assistant Vice President and Director of Education and Training. In the early 1970s Jim moved to Vermont. He started New Morning Natural Foods in Manchester Center VT, which is still in business today. He was also involved in the founding of Ethan Allen Community College in Manchester VT where he served as the school’s initial Business Manager and teacher of Small Business. In 1976 Jim met Wendy Bower. Together they moved north to Plainfield VT, bought a piece of land, started High Meadows Farm, and got married in 1979. They raised two children together, Robyn and Jayson; which they consider to be their greatest accomplishment. Jim was a founding partner/owner of two additional Vermont businesses: Green Mountain Distributing, a fine wine and beer importer/distributor in Rutland VT through the 1980s; and Sports Image, a sports shoe and apparel store in Berlin VT through the 1990s and early 2000s. After “retiring” he worked part-time for Plainfield Hardware in Plainfield VT for several years. Jim valued his children, family, friends, community and his independence. He liked starting new things because it gave him the opportunity to immerse himself in learning. He enjoyed fishing, golf, vacations, hunting with his friend Brent, and people of all sorts. He loved sitting on his porch and tending to his land. He adored his family in Vermont, New York, and Connecticut. Jim is survived by his children Robyn Capobianco and Jayson Capobianco and his wife Wendy (Bower) Capobianco, all of Plainfield VT. He is survived by his sister Inez Palazzolo (Vito Palazzolo) of New York, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Joan Bonafide (Robert T. Bonafide) of Connecticut and Linda Morea (Steve Morea) of New York, and his brother Ralph Capobianco of Maryland. Contributions in his honor can be made to the Capital Region Special Olympics program either (1) online at https://app.donorview.com/jvZXo, or (2) by check to “Special Olympics Vermont” with memo “IMO Jim Capobianco” and mailed to 16 Gregory Dr Suite 2, South Burlington VT 05403. Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at the Unitarian Church of Montpelier at 130 Main Street on April 20, 2024 at 2:00pm. Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer Street in Barre assisted the family.

Tributes

James Capobianco

February 6, 1943 - January 15, 2024