Feast Is One Big Italian Family for Grand Marshal Mary Capoccia

Popular Yorktown resident Mary Capoccia will take her place of honor as Grand Marshal of the Yorktown Feast of San Gennaro as she leads the opening procession at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018. Her ceremonial role will continue throughout the five-day al fresco celebration, until its conclusion on Sunday, Sept. 16.

A Quarter-Century in Yorktown

Mary has lived in Yorktown Heights with her family for almost a quarter-century. She is the mother of two sons, Nicholas (married to Brittany) and Christopher Capoccia. Both were educated in the Yorktown Central School District, where she was active in the PTA and served as class mom through the years.

Although no one else was surprised by Mary Capoccia’s being named Grand Marshal for the fourth annual Yorktown Feast of San Gennaro, the prestigious recognition did take her by surprise during a dinner meeting of Circolo da Vinci, where she is a member. The non-profit organization’s mission is to raise awareness of Italian culture and the continuing contributions of Italian-Americans.

Suddenly, in the middle of the Circolo da Vinci festivities, her name was announced, and she was presented with the Grand Marshal sash by Michael DiCostanzo and Thomas Pomposello, principals of Yorktown Feast of San Gennaro parent company CCM of Westchester, Inc.

Proud Daughter of Immigrants

“My immediate thought,” recalls Mary, “was of my parents and how very proud they would be. As the daughter of Italian immigrants, this is a very special honor, one that I will always cherish and never forget.”

Mary is the daughter of Desolina and Celesto Gandolfi, who were born and raised in the small Italian village of Pietrarada, Bardi. The Gandolfis traveled to New York from their homeland in 1958 on the ship Cristoforo Colombo. They settled in the Bronx, where they raised their four children.

As newcomers to America, the Gandolfis were unfamiliar with the English language. Relying on their Italian heritage, their Catholic faith, their grit, and their determination, they enthusiastically embraced the American dream. Mary’s mom and dad worked hard and were proud to become naturalized as American citizens.

An 'Inspiring Work Ethic'

Mary’s longtime dedication to Yorktown and its citizens is well known and widely respected throughout the town that she loves to serve. “Her work ethic is inspiring and her attention to detail second to none,” says Michael Grace, immediate past town supervisor who was elected to three successive terms, 2012-2017. During that six-year tenure, Ms. Capoccia served as confidential secretary to the supervisor.

As Mr. Grace’s trusted lieutenant, she oversaw the initiation and implementation of myriad programs and community events. Two of the most notable -- the annual Yorktown Feast of San Gennaro in September and the Holiday Electric Lights Parade in December -- were created under their watch. Both celebrations immediately became hugely popular destination events for the people of Yorktown and beyond.

Prior to her position in the supervisor’s office, Mary worked as a legal secretary for the late Albert A. Capellini, a beloved Yorktown resident, attorney and friend to many. Recently, the Yorktown Cultural & Community Center on Commerce Street in Yorktown Heights was re-named for him.

Always Sees a Friendly Face

Since leaving her post at Town Hall, Mary has remained a role model for community service. “I love that no matter where I go within the town,” she says, “I will always run into a friendly face”!

Mary’s many contributions include serving on the board of directors of Yorktown Organizations United (YOUnited), a support group for non-profits that was created while she worked with Supervisor Grace. She recently was elected to the board of directors of the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce. She says it is an honor to continue her heartfelt support of the business community.

To those who know her, or just know of her, Mary Capoccia is a local force of nature. Her ebullient personality, commitment to community as family, and solid foundation built on faith and love have made Mary’s impactful presence a blessing to the people and businesses of Yorktown.

Recalling Cherished Memories

For Mary, the most important thing in the world simply is spending time with her family. Being feted as Grand Marshal of the Yorktown Feast of San Gennaro makes Mary nostalgic, bringing back some of the most cherished memories of her Italian upbringing.

She fondly recalls the traditional Sunday family dinners, where everyone gathered to spend the entire day around the table (mangia! mangia!). Her mom and dad would serve homemade wine and grappa, as well as homemade prosciutto, salami, pasta and ravioli. Her relatives would visit every week, playing Italian Cards (Briscola), and listening to one of the cousins play accordion.

With that poignant picture as a backdrop, Mary couldn’t be more excited that for five days this Sept. 12-16 she will get to spend quality time with her extended Yorktown family.

“The doors of Yorktown are wide open,” she says, “so come enjoy, eat, drink, and celebrate as if every day is an Italian Sunday!”

About the Feast

The Yorktown Feast of San Gennaro officially begins Wednesday, Sept. 12, with the 6:30 p.m. opening procession on Commerce Street in Yorktown Heights, from the firehouse to Railroad Park in front of Underhill Plaza. There is no admission charge. Hours are 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 12-14; 12 noon-11 p.m. Sept. 15; 12 noon-10 p.m. Sept. 16. For more information, see facebook.com/yorktownfeastofsangennaro.

About the Photo Gallery

At unveiling of ceremonial street signs in Yorktown Heights, christening the stretch of Commerce Street where the Feast is held "San Gennaro Way," 2018 Grand Marshal Mary Capoccia (center) is flanked by Yorktown Feast of San Gennaro organizers Tom Pomposello (far left) and Michael DiCostanzo (far right). Past Grand Marshals are (from left) Sonny Graci (2015), Dorothea LaScala (2017) and Anthony Grasso (2016). Photo credit: Bruce Apar

The Yorktown Feast of San Gennaro opening procession on Wednesday, Sept. 12, starts at 6:30 p.m. on Commerce Street, from the Yorktown Heights firehouse. It is led by the San Gennaro Band, with town Judge Salvatore A. Lagonia on trumpet, and local clergy. Photo credit: Bruce Apar

Singer-actor Louis Vanaria, who appears in the forthcoming Martin Scorsese movie "Kill the Irishman," starring Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino, performs at the Yorktown Feast of San Gennaro at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 14. Photo credit: Louis Vanaria