The U.S. Park Police regrets to inform you of the death of retired Sgt. Al Capasso, age 94. He died at a hospice facility in Hawaii on Sunday, August 31. Capasso entered on duty with the U.S. Park Police on June 16, 1942.

During his career, Capasso was a patrolman in the National Capital Region. His assignments included being on foot patrol at Meridian Hill, patrolling "Section A" of the Rock Creek Parkway in Cruiser 14 and others.  He worked many historical events: the Navy Day Parade in October 1944, the Inaugural detail for Franklin D. Roosevelt in January 1945, and Gen. Eisenhower's and Gen. Wainwright's details for their arrivals at the conclusion of World War II.

The U.S. Park Police promoted Capasso to sergeant around 1950. He became involved in the administrative side of the Force and was instrumental in several improvements. Capasso was instrumental in the passage of legislation to improve retirement benefits for U.S. Park Police members receiving coverage under the D.C. Police and Firefighter's Retirement System. He was instrumental in the helping the U.S. Park Police take control of purchasing and procurement for uniforms and all U.S. Park Police equipment. Capasso was elected president of the Police Association of the District of Columbia. This honor served to enhance the reputation of the U.S. Park Police.

Capasso also taught new recruits in the U.S. Park Police rookie school at Sixth St. and Independence Ave. A memorable quote from Capasso that one of his students recalled was “A short pencil is much better than a long memory.”

The U.S. Park Police also assigned Capasso as a motor sergeant in the Motorcycle Unit. He retired on May 31, 1963. He had a solid reputation as a real tactician and mentor to many. Many thanks the Retired U.S. Park Police Association members for their contributions to his memory.

Capasso is survived by his wife of 68 years, Rosalie, and daughter, Barbara Jean. His brother, O. Louis "Lou", retired from the U.S. Park Police in 1960, and resides in Rehoboth Beach, Del. Capasso is also survived by two sisters; Rita of St. Louis, Mo., and Velia of Houston, Texas.