Rose M. Occhiato

Rose Marie Occhiato, age 100, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2011. She was born on June 9, 1910. Rose was preceded in death by her parents, Sarafina and Mike Occhiato; brothers, Anthony “Dash,” Carl, Joseph M. Occhiato; sisters, Frances Carducci, Mary Badovinac, Jennie Gersick, Theresa Rossi; sister-in-law, Joan Occhiato; nieces, Ann Phegley, Margaret Covi; nephews, Colonel Nick Badovinac Jr. and Michael Badovinac. Rose is survived by sister, Helen Lindberg, Denver, CO; nieces, Rita Gersick, Elaine (Bill) Nicoll; nephew, Joe (Sue) Gersick; nieces, Sarah Decesaro, Betty Uhernik; nephew, Charles Carducci, Amarillo, TX; grand-nephews, Todd (Pam) Nicoll, Tom (Jill) Schafer; grand-niece, Ellie Schafer; great-grand-nephews, Ryan Nicoll, Trey, Lincoln Schafer; great-grand-nieces, Rose, Emma Nicoll; special grand-nieces, Nikki (Ken) Fisher, Seal Beach, CA, Sharon Phegley, Los Angeles, CA; grand-nephew, Steve (Sheila) Badovinac, Parker, CO and many other loving nieces and nephews. Rose was born the fifth of nine children. As a young girl in the mid 1920s she worked alongside her father, the late Mike Occhiato and her brothers and sisters packaging candy, tobacco and liquor orders at the family business on Northern Avenue. Eventually Mike Occhiato purchased Tivoli beer and then the local Orange Crush and Pepsi franchises in 1933. Rose remained an active partner in the business until it was sold in 1982. Rose served as a trustee of the Mike Occhiato Foundation. She loved to travel and tour Italy, France, Germany and South America. In past years she enjoyed playing bridge and also had been a member of both the Dante Alighieri and Amici Italian Clubs. Rose spent her life surrounded by family. She was very close to her brothers and sisters and had great love for her many nieces and nephews. She was very proud of her Italian heritage and enjoyed any opportunity to carry on the old world traditions of wonderful food and equally wonderful story telling. Rose’s kind and loving heart, her strong spirit and sense of determination will be greatly missed by all those who were fortunate enough to share her 100 years and seven months of life. Please omit food. Visitation 4 – 6 pm, Monday, January 24, 2011 at the funeral home. Celebration of Life, 10:00 am, Tuesday, January 25, 2011 Shrine of St. Therese. Interment to follow at Roselawn Cemetery.