Joseph Occhiuti

Joseph was born March 19th, 1937 on St. Joseph’s Day in Fall River, Massachusetts – the son of Adeline Trombino Occhiuti (deceased) of Fall River, MA and Francesco Occhiuti of Acri, Italy (deceased). Joe was a graduate of Durfee High School (’55), Dean Jr. College (’59), and American International College (A.I.C.) (’63, MEd ’67) where he met his wife and mother of their three children, Ellen.

Joe is predeceased by his wife Ellen Berger Occhiuti (2014) and survived by his children Alan and fiancé Jenn McCoy (New York, NY), Marc and wife René (Frisco, TX), and Jay and wife Jenny (Westfield, MA) and grandchildren Olivia and Will (Jay & Jenny). He leaves behind his sister Ann Botelho, niece Jean and nephews Stephen and Paul; brother Frank Occhiuti (deceased), nephews Bob and Frank and nieces Ann and Kim; brother Vincent Occhiuti (deceased), nieces Paula and JoAnne, nephew Vincent Michael (deceased), Steven, and David. He is predeceased by his in-laws Dr. Morris and Rita Berger and leaves behind brother and sister-in laws Dr. Gerald and Judy Berger (Delmar, NY) and their children David and Michael. Joe leaves behind cherished grandnieces, grandnephews and many cousins near and far that were so special to him.

A devoted husband, father, educator, and coach, Joe retired after over 40 years in the Massachusetts and Connecticut public education systems. He was a guidance counselor at Kosciuszko Junior High and Enrico Fermi High School in Enfield, CT, as well as a coach on the Fermi High School football team.

An accomplished collegiate athlete in baseball and football at both Dean Jr. College and A.I.C., Joe was elected to the Dean College Athletics Hall of Fame for Football, Baseball, and Basketball (’15; 150 Year Anniversary). During his pursuit of a Master of Education at A.I.C., he coached freshman football and baseball. He was most proud to be youth baseball coach for Alan, Marc, and Jay in Longmeadow, MA. Joe was a lifelong supporter of Dean and A.I.C. and was recognized in 2016 as a founding lifetime member of the AIC Loyal Engaged Annual Donors (LEAD) Society.

To his very last days, Joe was here to serve, not be served. His life was instructive, always teaching us how to grow with dignity, humor and kindness. He had countless close friendships that endured time and distance. Joe will be missed for his humor, wit, caring and effortless ability to put a smile on the faces of his family, friends, students, and ballplayers.

A wake will be held ­­­­­­­­­­Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Leete Stevens Enfield Chapels located at 61 South Rd. Enfield, CT. Social distancing and face masks are required for all visitors at the funeral home Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Cherry Place is assisting with a Private graveside service to be held at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Fall River, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joe may be directed to Dean College. Gifts are welcome online at http://www.dean.edu/give" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.dean.edu/give or through checks payable to Dean College, sent to Dean College, Office of Institutional Advancement, 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038 or American International College at http://www.aic.edu/give/donate.

To leave online condolence, please visit: www.leetestevens.com or www.waring-sullivan.com