Community Leader | Susan Capitelli
Wearing All the Hats
-Liesel Schmidt
Growing up in a family where Mardi Gras parades were a part of tradition, Sue Capitelli has always been deeply passionate about the festivities and all that came with them. “My earliest memories are from when my mom would take us to every parade she could,” Capitelli recalls. “Through rain, sleet, or sunshine, we were there! My family was in the Krewe of Elks truck parade on Mardi Gras Day for many years, and when I was old enough, I would help with the float designs for the group. I have lots of wonderful family memories of that.”
Naturally, as an adult, she continued her involvement with Mardi Gras and joined a krewe for herself. “I was with them for four years, which was always a great time,” says Capitelli, who moved to Mandeville with her husband, Bob, in 1983. “My family and friends would come watch me strut my stuff, and my daughter, Claire, was also in the group with me. After a few years, more of my family and friends wanted to join in on the fun, but the group was limited on space.”
