Manhattan Mourns Death Of Longtime District 114 School Board Member

MANHATTAN, IL — Manhattan School District 114 and the community as a whole are mourning longtime school board member Dan DeCaprio, who died May 9 at the age of 71.

DeCaprio sat on the board for 12 years, and was about to begin his fourth term, the district shared on social media.

"It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Dan DeCaprio, who served as a valued member of our school board for twelve years," the district wrote. "Dan will be remembered as a committed and passionate leader who worked tirelessly to improve the educational experience for our students. We will miss Dan’s valuable contributions to our community and the school district."

Trustee Justin Young reflected on DeCaprio's role in education in Manhattan.

"Very sad news for our little town ..." Young wrote social media. "Dan’s civil involvement has been crucial to many of our children’s education, including my own children when they came up through the school system."

DeCaprio's death comes as the district is building a new Manhattan Junior High.

"I wish Dan could have seen the end result of the new school being built, but hopefully he can look over the construction from above and make sure things go well."

Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen honored DeCaprio's contributions to the community.

"Dan had a long career in teaching and coaching that touched many lives," Adrieansen said. "This work made a difference for all these young people he positively impacted. He was a selfless man who always listened to residents and truly cared about our community and schools. He will be missed by many in Manhattan."

DeCaprio was born in Chicago, and lived in Park Forest before eventually moving to Manhattan in 1991. He was married to Carol for 48 years. The two had children Scott, Carrie, and Darcie. He was grandpa to Grayson, according to his obituary.

DeCaprio was a 1970 graduate of Rich East High School. He went on to attain his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Illinois State University in 1974, where he met his wife Carol. He then completed his master’s degree in physical education/athletics administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1982.

DeCaprio's career in education first began as a teacher and coach at Crete-Monee High School, where he served as the head football coach, and an assistant coach for baseball, basketball, and wrestling, according to his obituary. His career continued at Lewis University in 1982, where he worked in the admissions office and served as the baseball pitching coach for 25 years. DeCaprio coached several teams that went on to compete in the College World Series, as well as multiple players who reached the profession level. He coached USA Baseball at the collegiate level, competing overseas. He also coached the Joliet Jackhammers, as well as worked in the front office of the 2011 Frontier League Champions Joliet Slammers.

He also coached at Marion Catholic H.S., Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA, and Moraine Valley Community College, also coaching his own children in baseball and softball, his obituary reads.

"My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Carol, his children, and the entire DeCaprio family," Adrieansen said.

Young called DeCaprio's dedication to the Manhattan district, "impactful."

"... the entire town owes him your deepest gratitude," Young wrote.

"Our schools are top notch because of people like Dan. His civic involvement will leave an everlasting impact on many children and former Manhattan Graduates for years to come.

"Dan’s leadership will be missed," Young also wrote. "Dan and his wife have given so much to the Manhattan School District. They are great long-term residents of Manhattan."

Visitation will be held Monday, May 15, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St. A funeral service will be held the next day, Tuesday, May 16, beginning with prayers at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m., then in procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Manhattan for 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Interment St. Joseph Guardian Cemetery, Manhattan. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Sarcoma Foundation of America by visiting https://www.curesarcoma.org, American Heart Association by visiting https://www.heart.org, or Manhattan School District 114 to a memorial fund in his name are appreciated.