Hall Of Fame’s Ray Cappiccille Passes Away

Ray Cappiccille, who was inducted into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame in 2004, passed away on Wednesday October 24 from congestive heart failure. According to his wishes, there was no public viewing. Expressions of sympathy and cards can be sent to his wife Jean at 201 Holly Court, Whiting, New Jersey, 08759.

Ray Cappiccille’s drum corps career began in 1950, when he began a long time association with the Holy Name Cadets—later the Garfield Cadets–playing French horn. During his years as a playing member, Holy Name Cadets won the American Legion national championship in 1950, 1953 and 1957, the last championship before the corps became known as Garfield Cadets. He was the drill designer/instructor for the Garfield Cadets from 1967 to 1973 and their program coordinator from 1974-1978.

From 1963 until 1981, he judged marching/general effect with various associations including New York All-American, National, Mid Atlantic, Drum Corps Associates (DCA), Drum Corps International (DCI), and Winter Guard International (WGI).

He continued playing French horn with the Hawthorne Caballeros from 1957 to 1965, and switched to the mellophone when he joined the Hawthorne alumni corps in 1994.

Regular World Drum Corps Hall of Fame members are honoured for their dedication, contributions and achievements over a long period of time in categories including administration, arranging, adjudication, instruction, innovation and design. Associate members have dedicated at least five consecutive years of service to any drum and bugle corps as a performer or in a support role. Special membership categories include inductees honoured for Distinguished Professional Achievement and individuals receiving the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

The World Drum Corps Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization honoring those individuals who have contributed significantly over many years to the development and continuing excellence of drum and bugle corps activity around the world.