Captain George Capacci, a highly-accomplished veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and a native of Seneca County, will join other military, business and community leaders to support the ongoing operations of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery as a member of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Committee.
Captain Capacci, who currently serves as Deputy Chief of Operations and Construction for the Washington State Transportation Department, grew up in Seneca Falls, New York, a short distance from the site of the former Sampson Naval and Air Force Base where the cemetery now stands.
“Of all the places I’ve traveled during my service, I have always considered Seneca County to be my home, and I am incredibly proud that this outstanding testament to the legacy of our veterans has been created right here in our own community,” said Captain Capacci. “I am honored to lend my support to one of the most important projects in our region’s history, and I applaud State Senator Mike Nozzolio for his efforts to establish this hallowed ground as a place of honor for those who answered the call of service.”
“Last month, we celebrated the culmination of over a decade of hard work and overcoming many obstacles when the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery was officially dedicated,” said Senator Nozzolio. “Now we must focus our efforts on supporting the long term operational and capital needs of the cemetery. Captain Capacci’s vast experience, leadership and knowledge in both military affairs and private sector management will be invaluable to those efforts. I thank Captain Capacci for his incredible dedication to ensuring the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery remains a lasting tribute to our brave military heroes.”
As Deputy Chief of Operations and Construction for the Washington State Ferries, Captain Capacci ensures the safe, cost-effective, and efficient transportation of nearly 23 million passengers and 10 million vehicles annually. A graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London Connecticut, he served for 20 years as a Surface Operations Specialist aboard 5 ships, commanding two cutters. Captain Capacci also served on staff assignments in Washington D.C. and Juneau, Alaska. After retiring from the Coast Guard, he put his experience to work in the private sector, becoming General Manager for the Alaska Marine Highway System, overseeing the entire operation of the state’s fleet of passenger ships. He later oversaw operations of the entire ferry fleet serving coastal British Columbia as Vice President of Fleet Operations for BC Ferries.
As a member of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Committee, Captain Capacci will join other individuals with strong experience in business, military affairs and the private sector, including two former Admirals, a former University President and the chairpersons of several statewide veterans’ organizations. The Committee works to identify and secure both public and private funds to support the ongoing operations of the cemetery, which was officially dedicated on July 30th. The Committee will work closely with the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association and the Seneca County Industrial Development Agency/Economic Development Corporation (IDA/EDC), which oversees and manages the day-to-day operations of the cemetery.
“I am elated that Captain Capacci has agreed to serve on the Cemetery Committee and I look forward to working with him to continue our efforts to pay tribute to those members of the military who have served their Country with honor and distinction." said Senator Nozzolio.
