The name Rosario Capillo is a name that left its mark both in politics, business and as a community supporter in Elliot Lake.
The former councillor passed away Saturday. Upon hearing the news all city flags were placed at half-mast in honor and recognition of his lasting contributions to the community. He served as a councillor in the 1970s and later through the late 1990s and 2003.
“I always found Rosario very friendly. When he was on local government you could ask him a question on the street about an issue you had and it would be addressed promptly or taken care of as fast as it was possible,” said local historian Bill Gareau.
“He told me how to fix a bad cold I had one time. He told me to buy some brandy. That didn’t work for me, so I put it in my car’s gas tank and the car ran better,” Gareau said. “He was a good councillor that really did work for the people.”
Long-time Elliot Lake councillor Norman Mann also paid tribute to Rosario at Tuesday evening’s special council meeting.
“We lost another long-standing member of council on Saturday,” Coun. Mann said of Rosario’s passing. “Rosario was very passionate about the airport. I do remember that fondly ensuring it continues.”
As a reporter and resident of Elliot Lake I recall him as a very jovial individual who enjoyed a good joke when I met him on different occasions, including during prior Uranium Festival Day celebrations at the Collins Hall. My parents Peter and Kari knew him well during their time in Elliot Lake and a topic that always came up in their discussions was his love of wine and of Elliot Lake.
I also remember his store Rosario’s Furniture, a business he operated for many years.