Robert “Bob” Cappellucci

 

Robert “Bob” Cappellucci passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2022 in El Paso, TX. Bob was born on October 10, 1934 to Helen and Frank Cappellucci of Hoehne, CO. Bob graduated as Valedictorian from Hoehne High School in 1951. He went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree from Colorado A&M (now CSU), in Fort Collins, CO. Following his college graduation, Bob served in the U.S. Army.

 

On February 16, 1957, Bob married Roselee Palmer in Trinidad, CO. Together they raised four children. In the late 1950’s, Bob and his dad began a horse racing partnership, training at tracks throughout New Mexico. Their reputation and success as horsemen carried far beyond the NM borders. Throughout the years, they earned multiple leading trainer awards. In 2011, Bob received the NM Horsemen’s Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Although Bob stopped training horses in 2020, he remained very much a part of the racing family through his sons, Jim and Dick (aka Flaco). Last month, he was honored alongside a small group of men to receive the Pioneers of Racing Award at Sunland Park.

 

Among the highlights of his career, Bob trained multiple stakes winners including, Bionic Light, Star Smasher, and Missy’s Partner along with many others. His training stint with Bionic Light took him to many different racetracks across the country including, Ak-Sar-Ben, Belmont Park, and Hollywood Park culminating with the inaugural running of the Breeder’s Cup.

 

Bob was proceeded in death by his wife, Roselee in 2003 and his oldest son, Rob in 2014.

 

Bob is survived by his children, Jim Cappellucci of El Paso, Flaco (Judy) Cappellucci of El Paso, and Debbie (Mike) Bergenthal of McKinney, TX. “Bobby” as he was known to them, is also survived by his grandkids, Ashton Robert Cappellucci of Austin, TX; Cassidy Jenae Bergenthal of McKinney, TX; and Cayla Lee Bergenthal of McKinney, TX. Bob is survived by his sister, Joann (Dan) Carter of Anthony, NM; sister-in-law, Joella (Ken) Kirkham of Strong City, KS; and his cousin, Anthony (Patti) Cappellucci of Albuquerque, NM, as well as a host of extended family and friends.

 

The family would like to thank the caregivers at The MonteVista at Coronado for the excellent care Bob received during the last few days of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of one’s choice.

 

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd., Albuquerque, NM.