We are reaching out with great difficulty and deep sorrow to share news we wish we never had to. Our beloved William “Byron” DeCapua has died. The 89-year-old Zionsville, Indiana, resident passed away peacefully at his home on December 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, just weeks before his 90th birthday.
Byron was born on February 7, 1936, in Akron, Ohio, to William T. and Geraldine Sassano DeCapua. During his early years, he relocated to Indianapolis, which helped to shape his Midwestern ideals of community and hard work. After graduating from Broad Ripple High School in 1953, he went on to Butler University to get a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management in 1957. He was an active member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and Senior Class Vice President at Butler, creating enduring relationships that demonstrated his innate leadership and camaraderie.
Byron’s family life stood as the cornerstone of his nearly nine decades, beginning with meeting his future wife, Carole Jane Simon, at Butler University. They married and built a vibrant home, raising eight children: Sherry Perry (Jack), Karen Scheitlin (Gordon), William “Jeffery” (Gayla), Dennis, Greg, Matt (Reina), Mary Kaster, and Laura (Phil Dimond). His legacy continues through 20 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one on the way, with Byron delighting in storytelling sessions that blended wisdom, humor, and unwavering presence to make everyday moments memorable.
Professionally, Byron excelled in the industrial coatings industry for 30 years with companies like Glidden and Porter Paints before founding his successful business, UltraCoat, as a manufacturer’s representative, retiring at age 85. He served on the board of Construction Services International (CSI) and was a member of the Indiana Army National Guard, embodying discipline and commitment. A passionate sports enthusiast, he coached countless Little League baseball, softball, and football teams, achieved scratch golfer status, and later embraced running, turning the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon into a cherished family tradition.
Byron’s deep Catholic faith guided his extensive volunteer work, including roles with Right to Life of Indianapolis, SEARCH retreats, St. Vincent De Paul, Wheeler Mission, and the Salvation Army’s Barton Center, while teaching religious education and attaining Fourth Degree in the Knights of Columbus.
He enjoyed family camping trips, playing pool as a skilled “pool shark,” competitive board games, yardwork, gardening, relaxing in his hammock, and tracing his proud Italian genealogy. An avid Indianapolis 500 fan since the 1950s, he attended his final race in May 2025, celebrating the thrills of speed and tradition.
On January 12, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m., there will be a visitation at Flanner and Buchanan in Zionsville, followed by a Rosary. On January 13, there will be a visitation at St. Alphonsus Liguori Church, which will culminate in an 11 a.m. Mass and burial at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery. Everyone who knew him will continue to be inspired by his example of religion, family commitment, and community influence.