News

Statement from Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Castille on the Passing of Former Chief Justice Cappy

May 02, 2009

PHILADELPHIA, May 2, 2009 — It is with deep sorrow that the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania announces the sudden passing of former Chief Justice Ralph J. Cappy. The Chief died last evening suddenly as he was preparing to leave his home for a social engagement. After he failed to arrive, friends discovered his body at home. The cause of Chief Justice Cappy’s death is unknown, but he recently underwent surgery for blocked arteries. Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille stated that the entire Supreme Court is in a state of shock and expresses its deepest sympathy to Ralph’s widow, Janet Cappy, and the Cappy family. “Ralph Cappy had a deep and abiding love for the Supreme Court and for its mission to deliver justice to the citizens of Pennsylvania,” Chief Justice Castille said. “He was a Justice of tremendous integrity and a tireless worker and a great leader in creating programs that improved the administration of the Supreme Court and the many committees the Court supervises. “Ralph was well respected nationally by the Chief Justices of the United States. He served on the board of directors of the Conference of Chief Justices and the National Center for State Courts. He was awarded the National Center’s prestigious Justice Harry Carrico Award for outstanding leadership and innovative programs that addressed court-related problems. He was the recipient of numerous other awards both during his tenure and after his retirement from the Court. “We are deeply saddened by his untimely passing.”