Late Artist's Work Will Not Be Sold

Friends of those who lose their loved ones are there for them through the funeral.

People will have good intentions, but eventually they will again be consumed with their own lives and distracted from the plights and disappointments among those around them. It is human nature.

A gathering next month for local friends and artists is specifically meant to ensure the widow of Tony Caparello does not feel neglected, said friend Mary Petricone. For one day, her friends will refocus their energies on her and her two daughters.

Caparello died Friday after open heart surgery in Clearwater. His local claims to fame included painting the "Brooksville Raid" mural in downtown Brooksville.

"There are quite a few artists in the area who want to do something," Petricone said.

Her first intention is to assist Caparello's wife, Heidi, and her two daughters. The guests will "pass the hat around" and donate money for the family.

Petricone is gauging whether many of the same artists would make some of their works available for purchase as a means for charity. The proceeds would go to the family, Petricone said. No final decision has been made.

Either way, Heidi Caparello will not have to make ends meet by selling her husband's artwork, Petricone said.

She pointed out that the gathering, which is tentatively scheduled for Valentine's Day and will take place at her house, will be a "particularly hard day" for Caparello.

"None of Tony's artwork should be for sale any time soon," Petricone said. "It's too traumatic right now. There will be plenty of artwork available, just not Tony's."

Tony Caparello's heart surgery last week was made all the more risky due to an ongoing lung infection.

When word of the pending surgery was spread among the area's artists, Petricone sent out an e-mail announcing a trust fund for the family to help them defray medical costs.

That effort would continue, only the money will now go toward the welfare of the family, Petricone said Friday.

Caparello's mural is located at 11 Broad St. behind Patricia's Boutique.

A native of Massachusetts, Caparello's oil paintings have been shown in galleries and museums nationwide.

A service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, located at 6193 Spring Hill Drive, Petricone said.

A formal announcement about the Feb. 14 gathering at Petricone's house is forthcoming, she said.

For more information, call Petricone at 352-666-2734.