Joseph Guy D'Occhio

He was born on August 17, 1938, and grew up in South Philadelphia. Joseph later lived in Yeadon and Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania, before settling in Las Vegas, where he made his home for the past 27 years.

He proudly served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the Army National Guard from 1954 to 1965, assigned to the heavy weapons platoon, Company H of the 111th Infantry Regiment. His first job, as a teenager, was at Cabanas Steaks on Passyunk Avenue, where he made cheesesteaks at the window right across the street from the home of the love of his life, Rita—so distracted by her coming and going that he sometimes barely noticed the orders. Over the years, he worked tirelessly to support his family, including as a skilled tailor with the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America for companies such as Jacob Seigel, Cohen Brothers, and Ippoliti Corporation. He also worked as a short-order cook at Polumbo’s, delivered dry cleaning for Bunny Cleaners, and spent time at the iconic Gino’s Steaks. Even in retirement, he continued working part-time in the millwork department at Home Depot, showing the same dedication and care that defined his life.

A man of many talents, Joseph was a skilled woodworker, creating everything from bunk beds to bird feeders. He took such meticulous care of his home that he could be seen with a level in hand when trimming the shrubs around the house. He loved music—especially Frank Sinatra and the big band sounds of Glenn Miller—and spent his time cheering for his Philadelphia sports teams, playing pool on Friday nights with his son Dominic, or simply enjoying moments with his family.

Always ready with a joke, a funny face, or a playful prank, he embraced life with childlike joy and never took anything too seriously. Joseph expressed appreciation for anything his family did. He greeted everyone with his signature question, “You got a cigarette?”—and his “favorite person” could change in an instant, depending on who sneaked him one or earned extra points with a cheesesteak. His love shone through in every interaction, and he often said he couldn’t wait to wrap his arms around his beloved wife, Rita, in Heaven.

Joseph’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his children: Dominic D’Occhio and his wife Supatra; Theresa Johnston and her husband John; Joseph Guy D’Occhio Jr. and his wife Pamela; Deborah Weyand and her husband Michael; Linda Geraghty and her husband Bryan; Marjorie Gilpin; Christine Hickey; and his brother, Robert D’Occhio. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rita D. D’Occhio; his parents, Angela and Dominic D’Occhio; and three grandsons, Joseph Guy D’Occhio III, Michael Weyand Bianchi, and Christopher Caltabiano Jr. Joseph is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom were the light of his life and the audience for his endless jokes, silliness, and love.

A visitation for Joseph will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a service from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Palm Mortuary Cheyenne, 7400 West Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89129.

Joseph will be remembered not just for his work, his talents, or his passions—but for the way he made everyone laugh, feel loved, and embrace the joy of life. His zest, warmth, creativity, and energy will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made in his name to the Saint Jude's Children's Hospital