“Raymond Joseph Capitanini passed away on April 10, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on July 28, 1935, in Chicago to Italian immigrant parents Alfredo and Ada Capitanini, Raymond was the third of their children and a proud son of the city he helped shape through his enduring commitment to hospitality, culture, and community.
“A graduate of Fenwick High School and the University of Notre Dame, Raymond carried with him a deep respect for tradition and education throughout his life. These values became the cornerstone of his remarkable journey—one grounded in family legacy and civic spirit. As a second-generation restaurateur, he embraced his heritage with unmatched passion. Working alongside his brother Frank and sister Ave, Raymond played a pivotal role in transforming the Italian Village restaurant into a nationally celebrated dining destination. Under his leadership, the restaurant became known not only for its exquisite cuisine but also for one of the most renowned wine cellars in the country—drawing seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers alike.
“Raymond’s philosophy on service was both simple and profound: “Hot food, hot plate; cold food, cold plate.” This guiding principle shaped every aspect of the Italian Village experience and remains central to its operations today. Through his vision and dedication, the restaurant welcomed countless luminaries over the years—including Luciano Pavarotti, Marcel Marceau, Barbra Streisand, and Frank Sinatra—not just for its culinary excellence but for the warmth that radiated from Raymond himself.
“Beyond his contributions to hospitality, Raymond was a passionate supporter of Chicago’s vibrant cultural landscape. For over six decades, he held season tickets to both the symphony orchestra and opera house—his unwavering patronage helping sustain institutions that defined his beloved city. He also lent consistent support to local theaters and museums, reinforcing his lifelong commitment to enriching community life through art.
“A devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs, Raymond’s love for his hometown team culminated in a cherished memory: attending the World Series games in 2016 with his brother Frank—a dream fulfilled after decades of loyal fandom.
“Raymond’s appreciation for beauty extended into nature as well. His home garden was a perennial highlight on Lincoln Park’s annual garden walk—a lush reflection of his refined aesthetic and love for outdoor elegance. Known affectionately as the “Mayor of Lincoln Park,” he touched countless lives through quiet acts of generosity and steadfast support for neighborhood programs.
“Curiosity fueled much of Raymond’s daily life. A voracious reader of newspapers and magazines across a wide range of topics, he often clipped articles or made photocopies to share with friends and neighbors—fostering thoughtful conversations wherever he went. At one point receiving 60 copies of the local Skyline newspaper weekly, he took it upon himself to distribute them throughout his community as part of an ongoing dialogue with those around him.
“Raymond also brought joy wherever he went—especially when music played. Always the life of any gathering, he delighted guests young and old with impromptu dancing that often ended with an unforgettable round of push-ups.
“Raymond Joseph Capitanini lived a life rich in flavor—both literally and figuratively—and leaves behind a legacy steeped in tradition, generosity, curiosity, and joy. His vibrant spirit lives on in every plate served with care, every note played in a concert hall he loved, every flower blooming in Lincoln Park gardens—and every smile sparked by a shared story or thoughtful gesture. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.” (Ray Capitanini Obituary, 5/10/25)
Ray was a long-time friend of Ward Miller and supporter of Preservation Chicago. An avid reader of the newspapers, Ray would often clip and comment on the many articles regarding Preservation Chicago advocacy efforts. He will be missed.
- Raymond Joseph Capitanini of Chicago Obituary, Peterson-Bassi Chapels Chicago, 5/10/25
- Ray Capitanini, wine maestro of Italian Village in the Loop, has died at 89; The table-hopping maitre d’ at Chicago’s oldest Italian restaurant schmoozed with patrons including Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand and Luciano Pavarotti, Mitch Dudek, 4/18/25
- History of the Italian Village, since 1927. A Chicago Legacy Business