Thomas Ray "Ray" Caplis

Thomas Raymond “Ray” Caplis age 86, of Ft. Myers, FL formerly of Chicago, IL passed away on January 2, 2017. Ray was a first generation Irish-American raised on the Southside of Chicago where he excelled in sports and academics. He was president of his class at Leo High School, where he also lettered in football and basketball. He was offered basketball scholarships from many colleges, chose to play at DePaul University under legendary coach Ray Meyer, and started on the basketball team during three seasons. While attending DePaul, Ray met his beloved wife of 47 years, JoAnne (Kavanaugh).

Out of college, Ray joined the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed at: Pinecastle AFB in Orlando, Florida; Raymey AFB in Puerto Rico; and Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas.

Upon discharge from the Air Force, Ray and JoAnne returned to Chicago’s south side, where they raised their sons and daughters. Ray joined the Chicago Police Department, where he served for 30 years, attaining the rank of Sergeant in the Youth Division.

While serving on the Chicago Police Department, Ray often held additional jobs to make a better life for his family. He also constantly refereed high school and Catholic Youth Organization basketball games. Almost every minute he was at home was spent playing sports and games with his children and their friends. He was famous in the neighborhood for all the time and attention he gave to his children and their friends.

When his beloved wife JoAnne was diagnosed with Emphysema, he retired early with her to Fort Myers, Florida where Ray spent 26 great years building deep friendships with many people in the Cinnamon Cove community.

Ray is preceded in death by his wife, Jo Anne Caplis (Kavanaugh) and son, John Roger Caplis; parents, Roderick and Margaret Caplis. His parents immigrated from Tipperary, Ireland, where Ray has many relatives who have enjoyed his company and prayed for him during his illness.

He is survived by children, Tom Capp (Mireide), Daniel Caplis (Aimee), Michael Caplis, Mary Annerino (Kevin), and JoAnne Caplis; grandchildren, Tom R. Capp, Yainier Capp, Michael Annerino, Christian Annerino, Joe Caplis, Elizabeth Annerino, Caroline Caplis, Camilo Capp, AnaRosa Capp; brother, Father Roger Caplis.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 7 at 1030AM at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, 12171 Iona Rd, Ft Myers, FL 33908 followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated by Father Roger Caplis at 11:30AM. Following the mass a reception will be held at Cinnamon Cove Clubhouse, 11650 Caravel Cir, Fort Myers, FL 33908.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ray’s honor to The COURAGE Program, based at St. Germaine Parish in Oak Lawn, Illinois at www.courageprogram.org/ . COURAGE is a volunteer organization built on compassion and Christian values, advocating for pregnant young women and their families.

Arrangements under the direction of Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, Ft Myers, FL. Info 239-334-4880.