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Golden Award to local doctor honors
international service, spirit of giving
 It’s
the selfless volunteerism that made Dr. A. John Capelli the perfect
recipient of the 2010 Golden Award. He received the honor Thursday as
recognition for exemplifying “the spirit of giving.”
Earlier this
week, Capelli returned from an annual medical mission to Honduras where he
provided service to hundreds. Closer to home, he has spent the past 27
years as a recognized physician leader. Capelli’s co-workers say he
frequently volunteers his time and money to several charities and
improvements within Aurora Medical Center. For example, he led community
philanthropy efforts and personally donated toward the hospital’s purchase
of a respirator for its neonatal unit.
Chris Olson,
chief administrative officer at the medical center, knows Capelli has even
anonymously donated money to several organizations to escape any possible
limelight.
“He’s just one
of those people in the community who has been a part of many initiatives,”
she said. “I’m very excited we get to recognize him.”
Aside from
what his colleagues call his “huge heart,” they say Capelli is the staff
motivator and inspiration in the hospital.
“He is larger
than life, very colorful, outgoing, energetic,” Olson, who has worked with
Capelli for 10 years, said. “You probably would never know he is a
physician. I say that because he is very down to earth. Yet he is a
brilliant diagnostician.”
Capelli is
also quick to recognize his staff’s efforts, said Debra Franckowiak,
administrative director of support and hospitality services.
“He’s always
doing things for other people,” she said. “It’s his mission.”
Capelli remains active
in the community while serving on several boards and committees,
participating in career days at schools, lecturing on anatomy at
Bradford High School and acting as preceptor at Marquette
University at UW-Madison.
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