William “Byron” DeCapua, a beloved resident of Zionsville, Indiana, has died on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was just weeks away from his 90th birthday, having been born in Akron, Ohio on February 7, 1936, to William T. and Geraldine Sassano DeCapua.
He graduated from Broad Ripple High School and later from Butler University in 1957, where he met his wife of 67 years, Carole Jane (Simon). At Butler, he earned a business degree, was Senior Class Vice President, and was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity . Byron also served in the Indiana Army National Guard.
His professional life was defined by a 30-year career in the industrial coatings business with companies like Glidden and Porter Paints. At age 85, he retired from his own successful manufacturing representative business, UltraCoat, where he had also served as a board member of Construction Services International (CSI) .
Byron’s deep Catholic faith was central to his life. He was an active member of St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church in Zionsville, attended daily Mass, and volunteered extensively. His commitment to service earned him the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus, and he volunteered for organizations including Right to Life of Indianapolis, SEARCH, St. Vincent De Paul, Wheeler Mission, the Salvation Army’s Barton Center, and he taught Religious Education. He was also a dedicated coach, mentoring countless children in Little League baseball, softball, and football in his community.
A passionate sports enthusiast, Byron was a scratch golfer who took up running later in life, making the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon a family tradition. He was also a devoted fan of the Indianapolis 500, attending races since the 1950s and making his last visit to the track in May 2025. His favorite pastime was telling stories, especially to his grandchildren, blending wisdom and humor. He cherished family camping trips, games of pool, and board games, and could turn chores into memorable events with hotdog roasts and hand-churned ice cream .
Byron is survived by his wife, Carole; his eight children, Sherry Perry (Jack), Karen Scheitlin (Gordon), William “Jeffery” (Gayla), Dennis, Greg, Matt (Reina), Mary Kaster, and Laura (Phil Dimond); 20 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren, with a sixth expected. He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Calvin . His family notes that he “mastered the art of getting the most out of his day”.
Calling hours will be held at Flanner and Buchanan Mortuary in Zionsville on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 5-8 p.m. Additional visitation will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at St. Alphonsus Liguori Roman Catholic Church in Zionsville, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. and burial at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery.
