Gina Marie Evangelista

Gina Marie Evangelista (nee Capone) February 8, 1961 – August 23, 2026

Gina Marie Evangelista (nee Capone), age 65, of Chesterland Ohio, passed away on August 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of the family and friends who meant so much to her. Born on February 8, 1961, Gina was the beloved daughter of Sandra Capone (nee Giangiobbe) and the late Alfred Capone. She was the loving wife of Gordon Evangelista, whom she married in October 2002. Gina is survived by her brothers, Joseph Capone and his wife, Barb and Rick Capone; her sister-in-law and longtime friend, Misty Holycross-Capone; her brother-in-law, Alan Evangelista and his wife, Dawn; and her sister-in-law, Karen Quiggle and her husband, Rick. She was preceded in death by her father, Alfred, and her brother, John Capone.

Gina's family extended far beyond those listed by name. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Gigi, who held a very special place in her heart and never left her side. For 39 years, Gina dedicated herself to the City of Bedford Heights, where she worked in the Building Department. Her nearly four decades of service were a testament to her commitment to her work and to the community she served.

Gina's life cannot be measured simply by the years she lived or the years she worked. She was truly the life of the party and had an incredible ability to bring people together. Gina had more friends than most could count, and those friendships were a reflection of the kind of person she was. She loved deeply, laughed often, and made people feel welcome. Her friends weren't simply friends; they were part of her family. Gina loved a good meal, a good drink, and traveling with the people she loved. She was an incredible cook and baker. Simply put, she was the best. Food was one of the many ways Gina showed her love, and anyone lucky enough to sit at her table knew just how special that was. Her annual seafood boil became a beloved tradition, bringing together family for great food, laughter, and memories that will now be cherished even more.

She loved butterflies, she was fun, social, loving, and unforgettable. She had a presence that filled a room, and her absence will be felt deeply by the countless people whose lives she touched. While her family and friends would have given anything for more time with her, the love Gina gave throughout her life will remain with them forever; in family gatherings, shared meals, old stories, laughter among friends, butterflies that appear at just the right moment, and every seafood boil that will never quite be the same without her.

To know her was to love her, and to love Gina was to have a friend for life.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Gina's life on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio 44106.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made in Gina’s honor to one of the following organizations:

Indiana University Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma Research at:     https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380009633.html    or

Reserve Care - Reserve Care Ames Family Hospice (Westlake)     https://reserve-care.org/