Paul Capra was born 11 May 1939 . He studied at Yale University (1961), Oxford University and Southern Connecticut State College . He received a Master's degree in Education research.
In addition to holding positions in many community organizations, Capra was Assistant Director of Admissions for Systems and Research at Yale University form 1965 until 1970. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the New Haven Jaycees on 23 January 1970 .
Capra ran twice as the Republican candidate for mayor for the city of New Haven (1969, 1971). In 1969, after receiving the GOP nomination, Capra was narrowly defeated by the Democratic candidate, Bartholomew F. Guida in New Haven's closest mayoral race in 18 years. Two years later, Capra ran again on the Republican ticket but Guida was re-elected by a wide margin. Capra dropped out of New Haven politics and accepted the position of Director of Development at the University of Connecticut .
From the guide to the Paul Capra Papers., undated, 1966-1975., (Archives & Special Collections at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center .)
