Lee "Buzz" Capra

Lee “Buzz” Capra, age 78, passed away on May 11, 2026. Buzz was born on October 1, 1947, in Chicago to the late Peter and the late Jane Capra.

Loving father of Leanne (John) Ostrander and Leslie (Frank) Murphy. Former husband of Cheryl Capra. Cherished Papa of Johnny, Hannah, Chloe, and Sean. Dear brother of RoseAnn (the late Gary) Hitchen, Robert (Tanya) Capra, Gary (Theresa) Capra, and Cathy (Vincent) Accardo. Loving uncle of many nieces and nephews and dear cousin and friend to many.

Buzz attended Lane Tech High School on the north side of Chicago, where he excelled as a shortstop on the baseball team. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard during the Vietnam War. He received a B.S. in Art Education from Illinois State University. He was a pitcher for the ISU Redbirds where he lead the team to its 1969 NCAA college division baseball championship and later in 2003, ISU retired Buzz's jersey number 9.

Buzz went on to enjoy a distinguished professional baseball career as a pitcher with the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves from 1969 until 1977. In 1974, he was honored as a National League All-Star and earned the National League ERA title. In 2021, Buzz was inducted into the Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding athletic achievements and contributions to the game of baseball.

Following his playing career, Buzz continued sharing his passion for baseball as a pitching coach within the Braves, Mets, Phillies, and White Sox farm systems. Buzz also coached youth baseball for many years. Beyond baseball, Buzz was a skilled carpenter who generously helped countless family members, friends, and neighbors with projects big and small. He will be remembered for his kindness, his willingness to lend a hand, and the lasting friendships he built throughout his life. He loved Jesus and his family takes comfort knowing that he is in heaven now in the arms of The Savior.

Visitation for Buzz will take place on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and again on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Cumberland Chapels. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Buzz’s legacy will live on through his family, the many lives he touched through baseball, and the countless friendships he cherished throughout the years.

He gave generously to many charities. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to two of his favorite charities. The Illinois Spina Bifida Association I-SBA.org or the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital St.Jude.org.