Charlie Capalbo is not a Westporter. He’s a senior at Fairfield Ludlowe High School.
But his ties to this town are long and deep. Everyone here knows his grandmother: writer/poet/storyteller Ina Chadwick. Her husband, Richard Epstein — Charlie’s grandfather — is a Westport native; his parents moved here in 1958.
Charlie’s mother, Jennifer Wilde Capalbo — Ina’s youngest daughter — is a Staples graduate. For many years, she worked at a Westport asset management company.
Charlie’s aunts are Nina Wilde and Becky Wilde Goldberg Jarit. Years ago — to support her former Staples boyfriend, who suffered from lymphoma — Becky began running in charity events. She completed her first New York Marathon this year, at 50.
Ina Chadwick’s daughters: Nina, Becky and Jennifer.
Charlie has led a pretty good life. This winter as a goalie, he helped the Fairfield co-op ice hockey team make history. For the first time ever, the Mustangs qualified for the FCIAC and state Division I tournaments.
But other parts of his life are not good at all.
A few years ago, his house burned down. And just a couple of weeks ago — after making 27 saves in Fairfield’s 5-2 state tournament loss to West Haven — Charlie was diagnosed with cancer.
Charlie Capalbo (Photo/Dave Gunn)
His tumor is located near his heart and lungs, and has spread to his lymph nodes. Doctors say right now, an operation is not possible.
Charlie has already had a 5-hour biopsy at Yale-New Haven. Many more procedures lie ahead. Chemo starts tomorrow.
The Fairfield community — led by his coach and teammates — have rallied around Charlie.
Charlie Capalbo’s teammates lend support, as he heads to the OR.
A GoFundMe page was created Sunday night. In just 3 days, it’s already brought in over $129,000.
And that’s without most of Westport knowing his story.
Now we do.
(Click here for Charlie Capalbo’s GoFundMe page.)
Thank you for sharing this story, Dan. May God bless Charlie and his family.
Prayers for Charlie, Charlie’s family, and all who love him.
My son and I had the pleasure of meeting Charlie and his family last fall through a mutual friend. The Capalbos went out of their way to help my son, who was just learning to play goalie. You won’t find a warmer, more generous family and our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie and his family.
thanks Dan for sharing, please keep the community up on anything that is needed. prayers with Charlie
I’d like to donate the tincture of CBDs 1000 milligrams for Charlie to start on as soon as possible. PLEASE research the fantastic success this natural plant has had with regards to cancer.
Great story about a wonderful family! ❤️🙏🏼