Obituary of Donald C. Cacciapaglia

Donald Christopher Cacciapaglia, 66, a longtime resident of Rye, NY, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 1, 1951 in Yonkers, to Tina and the late Ralph Cacciapaglia.

Don graduated from Sacred Heart High School and received his undergraduate degree from Manhattan College. He went on to receive an MBA at Iona College.

Don was married for 42 years to his beloved wife Ellen (Speth), who he met in high school. He is also survived by his four children, David of Pacific Palisades, CA (Claire), Lauren Sargent of New York, NY (Christopher), Leslie Neville of New York, NY (Colin), and Emily Calder of London, England (Sam); his mother, Tina of Somers, NY; his sister, Mariann Covello; his brother, Richard Cacciapaglia; and his six cherished grandchildren, Peter, Grace and Maggie Cacciapaglia; Noelle and Greta Sargent; and Luke Neville.

Don’s esteemed career began in 1973 at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. From 1977-1995 he held numerous senior positions at Merrill Lynch & Co., then was Chief Operating Officer at CS First Boston and Paine Webber. In 2002, became Chairman and CEO of Channel Capital Group Inc. He joined Guggenheim Partners in 2010, where he held several senior management roles. Most recently, he was Vice Chairman of Guggenheim Investments. Throughout his career he took great pride in mentoring young professionals.

Active in his community, Don coached his son’s basketball and daughters’ softball teams when they were young, and dedicated time to the Rye Historical Society. He was also member of The Apawamis Club and American Yacht Club. A skilled fly fisherman, wood turner, and gardener, Don especially enjoyed spending time at his home on Cape Cod with his family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of the Resurrection in Rye, New York on Friday, January 5th at 10 AM. Donations in his name may be made to the Don Cacciapaglia Scholarship Fund at Manhattan College, which sponsors first generation college students. Manhattan College Development Office, 4513 Manhattan College Parkway, Riverdale, NY 10471.