Sebastiano Capovilla

Sebastiano Capovilla passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025, at the age of 84, with his daughters by his side. He was born on April 25, 1940, in Crespano del Grappa, Italy, the eldest of three children to Gaetano and Franceschina (Bof) Capovilla.

Sebastiano spent his formative years in Italy, causing a lot of mischief with friends and developing a passion for soccer and hunting that lasted well into adulthood. He also spent countless hours working alongside his parents on the family farm. After completing his mandatory service with the Alpini division of the Italian army, he immigrated to Santa Barbara in January 1962, joining his parents and siblings who had moved a few months earlier.

In 1966, he returned to Italy to marry his longtime girlfriend, Gina Dal Bello. Together, they moved to Santa Barbara, where they started their new life and raised their family. Their first daughter, Luisa, was born in 1968, the same year they purchased their first home in the San Roque neighborhood. They welcomed their second daughter, Stefania, in 1970, and their son, Sebastiano Jr., in 1975, who sadly passed away at birth.

Sebastiano was a proud Italian immigrant who worked hard to build a better life for his family in the United States, while always holding on to his Italian roots. Upon his arrival in Santa Barbara, he worked various jobs, including as a busboy and bartender. He later worked at M&F Packing in Carpinteria, and eventually dedicated over 20 years of service to the Santa Barbara Housing Authority before retiring in 2011.

A lover of the outdoors and soccer, Sebastiano enjoyed tending to his roses, raising canaries, hunting, and watching games involving the Italian national soccer team (Forza Azzurri) and AC Milan. He also appreciated Italian music and often spent weekends entertaining friends with lively conversation, a few glasses of wine, and several cigarettes. In retirement, he cherished time with family and friends, watching TV, caring for his birds, and enjoying the beautiful mountain views that reminded him of his hometown in Italy.

Sebastiano was a simple, hardworking man who took pride in the accomplishments of his daughters and grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved wife of over 58 years, Gina; his daughters, Luisa Velez (Fernando) and Stefania Miller (Ken); his cherished grandchildren, Emily, Claire, Bradley, Matthew, and Andrew; his brother, Lorenzo Capovilla; his sister, Giustina Martin (Dennis); and extended family members in both the United States and Italy.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the staff at Cottage Hospital, as well as to the teams at Villa Alamar and Alexander Gardens, where Sebastiano spent the last four years of his life.

Sebastiano will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. His funeral mass will be held at San Roque Church 325 Argonne Circle, Santa Barbara on Thursday, March 20th, at 10:30 a.m., followed by his inurnment at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Alpha Resource Center
4501 Cathedral Oaks Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93110

Alzheimer’s Association
1528 Chapala St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Italian Scholarship Foundation
c/o MacFarlane, Faletti & Co
3737 State Street, Suite #B
Santa Barbara, CA 93105