Powerball Winner • IL • 1998
Jackpot (2024$)
$196,500,000
lump sum
Age at Win
67
Retired electrician
Frank and Shirley Capaci won **$195 million** (not $380 million) in the **Powerball lottery** (not Mega Millions) on May 20, 1998, taking a **$104.3 million lump sum** (~$54-67 million after taxes). The retired Illinois couple—he an electrician, she a secretary—demonstrated remarkable financial discipline by maintaining frugal habits, establishing family trusts, and avoiding bankruptcy despite losing friendships and facing a lawsuit from the bartenders who purchased their winning ticket. Frank died at 83 in 2014; Shirley died at 88 in 2023, both having lived comfortably in affluent Barrington Hills for over two decades. This case represents a **relatively positive lottery outcome** with a **B-Stable classification**.
"I am going to take care of you, too"
"My hands were shaking. I took a step backwards and almost fell"
"He certainly not going to be happy with the money, because he has not done the right thing"
"This never would have happened without them"
Frank was a regular at Bill's Pizza Pub in Streamwood. Illinois didn't have Powerball, so bartenders Patti Rooney and John Marnell drove to Wisconsin to buy tickets for regulars. Frank threw in $5 at the last minute. The next day, unable to read small print, Frank handed ticket to Rooney who realized they won. "My hands were shaking. I took a step backwards and almost fell."