ILION-CALIFORNIA – Edward J. Capes, 71, formerly of Second Ave., Ilion, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2015, at his home. He was born on August 26, 1944, in Ilion, the son of the late Frank E. and Alice J. (McLaughlin) Capes. He graduated from Annunciation School and Ilion High School, class of 62. He served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War in Heavy Attack Squadron Four while on board the aircraft carriers USS Oriskany and USS Kitty Hawk, achieving rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. He is survived by sisters, Frances Pellegrino and husband, Vincent, of Connecticut, and Mary Ekstrom, of California; brother, Richard, of North Carolina; sister-in-law, Nila Capes, of Rochester; many nephews, nieces and cousins; and dear friends and caretakers, Terry and Sarah Fitch, of California. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, George, of Rochester. Friends and relatives are invited to a graveside memorial service to be held 12 noon, Saturday, October 17, 2015, at the Armory Hill Cemetery, Benedict Ave., Ilion, NY, with full military honors. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Ed, or add to his online memorial, may go to: www.applegateandday.com As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Cal Vet Veterans Home of California-Ventura, 10900 Telephone Road, Ventura, CA 93004 (website address calvet.ca.gov). Envelopes will be available at the graveside memorial service. Local service arrangements are entrusted to Ed’s childhood friend, Don Applegate, Funeral Director at Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home’s newly reopened home at 102 West St., Ilion, NY (315-895-7722).