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Ray Capitanini, wine maestro of Italian Village in the Loop, has died at 89

Ray Capitanini, the longtime maître d' and wine director at Chicago's Italian Village restaurant, passed away at the age of 87. Known for his warm hospitality and extensive wine knowledge, Capitanini worked at the iconic restaurant for over six decades, starting in 1957. He was instrumental in building the restaurant's renowned wine program, which now boasts one of the largest wine collections in the country. Capitanini was a beloved figure in Chicago's dining scene, remembered for his genuine care for guests and his ability to make everyone feel welcome. His legacy lives on through the continued success of Italian Village and the countless memories he created for patrons over the years.

Read the Full Chicago Sun-Times Article at:
[ https://chicago.suntimes.com/obituaries/2025/04/18/ray-capitanini-italian-village-restaurant-wine-maitre-d ]