Dr. Tami Lee Capeletti

Rock Hill, SC – Dr. Tami Lee Capeletti, 78, passed away peacefully in his sleep, November 24, 2022, while at home surrounded by his family, after a lengthy battle with coronary artery disease and heart rhythm complications. He is survived by his wife, best friend, and love of his life for over 60 years, Barbara. He was proud of and loved very much their two daughters and their families; Traci and Birk Ayer of Rock Hill, SC, and Marlo and Brent Skinner of Lexington, SC; and four grandchildren, Zack Ayer, Allie Ayer, Emily Skinner, and Lauren Skinner. He is also survived by three sisters, Wanda Martorano, Charlotte DeVita, and Dee Capeletti (Donnie Bailey). He was preceded in death by his parents, Angelo and Jennie Capeletti; and a brother, John Capeletti. Tami was a member of St. Johns United Methodist Church in Rock Hill and the Wesley Sunday School Class. Family and his Christian faith were always his first priorities. He always tried to follow the guides embodied in the Ten Commandments and the overriding “God’s Law” of love and respect for all people. He could find redeeming qualities in everyone that he met and was blessed with a loving, supportive family and many wonderful friends. Tami was born February 2, 1944, in Memphis, TN, to the late Angelo and Jennie Capeletti, and grew up in Hialeah, FL where he met and married Barbara Perkins. After graduation from high school, with the encouragement and support of his future bride Barbara, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, with Magna Cum Laude honors from the University of Miami. In Recognition of his scholastic and leadership achievements, he was inducted into a number of Honor Societies: Iron Arrow (the highest honor bestowed on students, faculty, and distinguished alumni by the university), Tau Beta Pi (Engineering), Omicron Delta Kappa (Collegiate Activities), Pi Tau Sigma (Mechanical Engineering), Pi Mu Epsilon (Mathematics), and Phi Kappa Phi (Leadership). Tami went on to receive a PhD degree in Metallurgy (Materials Science) from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY. While at RPI, he was inducted into Alpha Sigma Mu (Metallurgy) and Sigma Xi (Promotion of Research in Science). In his professional life, Tami conducted research and development (R&D) programs on material for automotive application at the General Motors Research Laboratory (GMR) in Warren, MI. Preferring the warmer climate in the south, he left GMR and moved the family to North Augusta, SC, where he conducted and managed research programs on the effects of hydrogen exposure on metals for nuclear applications for E.I. DuPont at the Savannah River Laboratory (SRL). However, given the opportunity to manage firearms development programs with Remington Arms (a subsidiary of DuPont) the family moved back north to New Hartford, NY. Having lived in the cold climate in upstate New York twice, he and Barbara decided it was time to move back to the southeast. When offered an opportunity with DuPont to supervise textile fibers development programs at Dacron R&D Lab, the family moved to Greenville, NC. Following that assignment, the family moved to North Augusta and SRL where Tami managed Materials and Hydrogen Technology programs, including potential applications to hydrogen powered vehicles. Those programs involved extensive travel within the United States from Florida to Washington state, Boston to San Francisco, and abroad to collaborate with various other sites. Tami completed his professional life at the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL, formerly SRL). After a 33-year career in industries from automotive to nuclear material production, Tami retired from the SRNL in 2004. Throughout his life, Tami had many great achievements and received many well-deserved accolades. However, he also found joy in the simple things of life. He was a talented, self-taught guitarist and an avid golfer. Tami took great pride in the privilege he had to play golf at Augusta National and other well-known golf courses. He was a skilled photographer who enjoyed capturing photos from around the world while he and Barbara traveled. Tami also found great peace in writing poetry and sharing his poetic talents with his family and friends. However, his greatest joy in life was the time he cherished with his family. He expressed Christ-like love to everyone he met and will be fondly remembered for his humble, selfless acts of kindness and generosity he offered to those in need. Many have considered him a mentor but to many others he played the role of “Dad”. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday afternoon, December 3rd, at 3 o’clock in the Posey Funeral Chapel. Dr. T. Joseph Lusk and Pastor Dow Welsh officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service from 2 until 3 o’clock. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s United Methodist Church, Youth Ministry Fund, 321 South Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill, SC 29730. Posey Funeral Directors is assisting the family with arrangements (803)278-1181.

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Dr. Tami Lee Capeletti

February 2, 1944 - November 24, 2022