Carl M. Cappa
Carl M. Cappa |
On June 1, 2000, Carl Cappa, a Jamestown businessman and philanthropist, was asked during an oral history interview: "Who was your model growing up? To whom did you look in establishing the principles by which you lived your life?" Without hesitation Carl said: "Robert Jackson. He was a man of great principle and he came from our hometown." Seven months later, Carl was seriously ill with terminal cancer. However, he decided to back his words with action. On January 10, 2001, he made a $500,000 financial commitment to start the Robert H. Jackson center in Jamestown, New York. He was joined by his good friend and fellow benefactor, Elizabeth Lenna, who also committed $500,000 to the venture. These gifts were supported by additional grants from the Gebbie and Sheldon Foundations. Thus was born a Center to be located in Robert Jackson's hometown that would for future generations remind both young and old of the great things that can happen when one combines hard work with strong principles in the arena of public service.
Carl in a junior high school woodworking class. |
Carl Cappa was born and raised in Jamestown. The eldest child in a poor family, he graduated from Jamestown High School, enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during World War II. When he returned to Jamestown after the war, Carl enrolled in a training program at the Crawford Furniture Manufacturing Company. He performed so well in the training program, the company's owner soon made him the head of employee relations.
Carl Cappa as a plant manager at Crawford Furniture. |
By 1968, he was named company president. He bought the company in 1983. Leaders throughout the furniture business knew and respected Carl as being fair, honest and decent - a man of integrity. It is no wonder that Carl's hero was Robert H. Jackson, as Carl also was a man who was a hard worker with strong principles and a love of his family and community. Carl and his wife Kay were two people devoted to each other through life's triumphs and travails. During Carl's lifetime, he served on the Boards of Directors of many organizations which included the Robert H. Jackson center, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, TRC Foundation, Jamestown Boys and Girls Club, WCA Hospital, Jamestown Community College Foundation, Lake Shore Savings Bank and Fleet Bank. He was past president of Moonbrook Country Club and Jamestown Manufacturers Association. He was one of the original contributors to the formation of the St. Susan Center Soup Kitchen.
Carl and his wife Kay on their 50th wedding anniversary. |
In 1985, Carl was honored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews for his efforts in promoting brotherhood and ecumenical good will. In 1996, he received the Trilium Award, which is the highest award given by the American Cancer Society.
In 2000, in recognition of his dedication, leadership and support in furthering community spirit and enriching the quality of life in the Chautauqua Region, he was awarded the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation's John D. Hamilton Service Award. In 2001, The Resource Center's administrative building and the Robert H. Jackson Center's theater were named in Carl's honor.
Carl died on May 12, 2002, after a long bout with cancer. His death ended a life of philanthropy that made his community a better place to live. Today, Carl's sister, Jeanette Carlson, is the Treasurer of the Robert H. Jackson Center and serves on our Board of Directors. We are grateful for Jeanette's talents and caring, watching over The Center in the way that her brother would have wanted.