PBA: Beermen Governor Ely Capacio dies

MANILA, Philippines – Team Governor for the San Miguel Beermen (formerly Petron Blaze Boosters) Eliezer “Ely” Capacio died on Sunday, February 23 due to a ruptured aneurysm, according to a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) official. 

Capacio, also a Vice Chairman of the PBA Board, was said to be operated on for 6 hours on Saturday, February 22 and was confined in Intensive Care Unit. He passed away at 12:33 AM last night. He was 58. 

The PBA tweeted encouragement and prayers for Capacio at around 6 PM on Saturday before eventually confirming the Governor’s death at 1:40 AM.

The entire PBA family is praying for MR. ELI CAPACIO. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family (cont) http://t.co/F2i2RcKnjo

— pbaconnect (@pbaconnect) February 22, 2014

Let us pray for the eternal repose of the soul of PBA Board Vice Chair. and @SMBeermenTeam Gov. Mr. Eli Capacio. Rest in His love sir…

— pbaconnect (@pbaconnect) February 22, 2014

PBA Commissioner Chito Salud also expressed his grief over the loss of one of his colleagues, saying that Capacio “will be missed.” He added that Capacio has “touched and enriched” their lives as a player up until he was Chairman.

Comm. Atty. Chito Salud: Ely, you will be missed. Your PBA family condoles with your wife vicky and your (cont) http://t.co/qASN0nC5o1

— pbaconnect (@pbaconnect) February 23, 2014

Capacio played for the Tanduay Rhummasters during the 80s. He then went on to coach as he took over for legendary coach Baby Dalupan and, according to PBA Head Statistician Fidel Mangonon III, gave the San Mig Coffee franchise (then Tender Juicy Hotdogs) its first All-Filipino title in 1991. They survived a grueling best-of-5 Finals series that went the distance and defeated the Diet Sarsi Sizzlers, a team head coached by Yeng Guiao. It was also the franchise’s second PBA title. 

San Mig Coffee will be attempting to win the 2014 Philippine Cup in Game 5 of the Finals happening on the day of Capacio’s passing. 

He is also the older brother of GlobalPort Batang Pier assistant coach Glen Capacio. – Rappler.com