Mr. Robert T. Capeless

Robert T. Capeless, Jr., died Thursday at his home on County Road in Becket of natural causes. He was 67. Mr. Capeless was the son of former Pittsfield Mayor Robert Capeless and Anita O’Conor Capeless. He is survived by a sister and four brothers: Victile Donahue of Pittsfield, Dr. Mark Capeless of Burlington, VT, Stephen Capeless of Pittsfield, District Attorney David Capeless of West Stockbridge, and Christopher Capeless of Tallahassee, FL. He is also survived by two aunts, Leona Capeless of New York City and Alice Capeless of Pittsfield, and twelve nieces and nephews: Paul, Jr., Katherine and Ian Donahue, Christine, Mark, Jr, Meghan, Emily, Michael, Christopher, Jr., Adrienne, Charles and Samuel Capeless. Mr. Capeless graduated from the University of Massachusetts and Boston College Law School. His law career included service as an administrative judge in the Division of Industrial Accidents, Assistant Town Counsel for the Town of Norwood, and many years of private practice in the Berkshires. During his service in Norwood, Mr. Capeless acted for a period as the town’s Fire Chief after successive chiefs had gone on sick leave. His white Chief’s helmet remained a treasured possession. In addition to his law practice, Mr. Capeless engaged in aquaculture, raising trout and salmon at his former residence, the old Bancroft Mill. A well-recognized figure in the law courts of Berkshire County, Mr. Capeless was legendary for his unpredictable and colorful legal arguments, personal style and attire. His many clients will remember him for his dogged representation, while members of the bench and his counterparts at the bar will fondly recall how his mere presence in court made the day a memorable one. Funeral Notice: Calling hours for Robert T. Capeless, Jr. will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 pm on Sunday, February, 1, 2015 at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield, MA. A private memorial service for the family will be held later. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pittsfield Public Schools - Capeless Elementary School Library Fund, care of the Dwyer Funeral Home in his memory. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Robert T. Capeless

January 29, 2015