William Byron DeCapua

William “Byron” DeCapua passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on December 31, 2025, just shy of his 90th birthday.

Byron was born in Akron, Ohio on February 7, 1936, to William T. and Geraldine Sassano DeCapua.

Byron’s life revolved around his faith, his family, his community, and his long career in sales. Byron graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1953, and later, Butler University, in 1957, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management. At Butler, he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and served as his Senior Class Vice President. At Butler he met his wife of 67 years, Carole Jane (Simon). They married and began their family, first in Indianapolis as members of the Christ the King Catholic Church, and later, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. At this time, Byron was in the military as a member of the Indiana Army National Guard.

In 1972, Byron and Carole moved to Zionsville and joined St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church. He remained connected to Indianapolis by attending St. Mary’s Catholic Church daily. Byron’s passion for helping others led him to volunteer with several Indianapolis area groups including Right to Life of Indianapolis at their annual State Fair booth, SEARCH, St. Vincent De Paul, Wheeler Mission, and the Salvation Army’s Barton Center. He also taught Religious Education (CCD). Byron attended Cursillo and later served as a volunteer at several subsequent retreats. Through this commitment to Church and service, Byron received the rank of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus.

Byron coached more Little League baseball, softball and football teams than can be counted in his community. He was a sports enthusiast and a scratch golfer. He picked up running later in his life and made running in the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon a family affair. Byron was an avid 500 Race fan dating back to the 1950s and attended regularly, with his last race this past May.

After working for 30 years in the industrial coating business with companies like Glidden and Porter Paints, Byron began his own successful business, UltraCoat, as a manufacturer’s rep. He recently retired at the age of 85, and was a member and a board member of Construction Services International (CSI).

One of Byron’s favorite pastimes was sharing stories. His favorite audience was made up of his grandchildren. He could hold their attention for hours, mixing wisdom and humor into his stories at every turn. Byron always made time to be present with his family, either by taking family camping trips to the beach or to the mountains, playing pool as an undeniable “pool shark”, or enjoying competitive boardgames. Byron could bring joy to any of life’s mundane activities. His children still hold fond memories of completing chores like raking leaves and picking berries. As a reward for the hard work, he sometimes hosted hotdog and marshmallow roasts, complete with hand-churned ice cream.

In Byron’s leisure time, he enjoyed yardwork, gardening, and sitting in the sun on his hammock. Always proud of his Italian heritage, Byron enjoyed tracing his family’s genealogy and making connections with distant relatives.

Byron lived a long and beautiful life. He mastered the art of getting the most out of his day and he will be sorely missed. He is predeceased by his parents, Bill and Gerry, and his younger brother, Calvin. He is survived by his wife Carole, and his eight children, Sherry Perry (Jack), Karen Scheitlin (Gordon), William “Jeffery” (Gayla), Dennis, Greg, Matt (Reina), Mary Kaster, and Laura (Phil Dimond). Byron’s legacy shines brightly in his 20 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren (with the sixth on the way).

Calling hours will be held at Flanner and Buchanan Mortuary in Zionsville on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 5-8 p.m. Additional visitation at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at St. Alphonsus Liguori Roman Catholic Church in Zionsville, followed by Mass at 11 a.m. and burial at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery.