Arthur John Occhino, a lifelong resident of the Bronx, died on March 12, 2021. He was 88.
Arthur was born on May 19, 1932 in the Bronx to the late Anthony and Josephine (Centrella) Occhino. As a young man Arthur served in the Korean War on the USS Conway 507 as a torpedo man. After the service, Arthur worked at the New York transit authority where he retired as a Supervisor. For his entire life Arthur loved to fish, cook, sing and dance. He was larger than life and his legacy will live on in all the lives he touched. He will always be remembered for his contagious laugh. He left us with so many beautiful memories that we will cherish forever.
He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy (Schmidt) Occhino, his brother Edward (Babe) Occhino, his daughter Kathy (Occhino) Maggio, and granddaughter Jamie Ladenhauf. He leaves Edward’s wife Louise Occhino, his brother Anthony Occhino and his wife Carol, his children; John Occhino and wife Catherine; Joan Occhino and husband Michael; Jenny (Occhino) Norton and husband Dan; Anthony Occhino; and Jean Occhino; and Richard Maggio. Arthur was adored by his 14 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.
Visiting will be Monday from 4-8pm at John Dormi & Sons Funeral Home, 1121 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday (time pending) at St. Francis Xavier Church, 170 Lurting Avenue, Bronx. Interment will follow at St. Raymond’s Cemetery, 2600 Lafayette Avenue, Bronx.
The family would like to thank all his wonderful aides who were like family to us and stayed by his side and took great care of him in his greatest time of need.
Pop you will always be our anchor.
You did it your way.
So sorry to hear about Uncle “Choppy” passing.
I will always remember his booming voice,
wonderful sense of humor and the way he could tell a story! When he entered a room, there was no doubt He had arrived.
Very glad we got to see him one last time a few months ago and share a few laughs and memories.
Love,
Ron and Barbara Occhino and family.
When I saw Uncle Arthur last August, he was dazzling us with stories of his dancing days. He asked me if I could tango and when I said yes, his face lit up and his arms went into a tango pose while his feet started to move.
He shared memories of his Navy days while he and his brother Ed were stationed in Italy on the same ship during the Korean War 1952-1955. When they were off duty, they’d go to the local dance halls. The ladies would line up, cutting in to dance with them, as they were known as the best Lindy Hop dancers. Arthur danced with a lady first then handed her off to Ed. I can just imagine those Italian beauties awaiting the moment those handsome Italian-American Navy brothers would arrive who could sweep them off their feet swing dancing!
Uncle Arthur told me a couple of teen sisters taught them to dance as kids in a Bronx park where they’d bring their victrola. By the time they were preteens, they were the most popular swing dancers in the neighborhood.
I know you and Ed are dancing in heaven! May the joy you spread on earth bless your souls in eternity.
Pop, I don’t know what to say. You lived a long amazing life and yet it still feels like you were taken to soon. I still remember the days like it was yesterday when you would take me fishing, or widdle wood at your desk, or teach me how to make a corn cob pipe. I’ll pass on those memories to my kids and tell them stories about you. You’ll be deeply missed by everyone you’ve ever had contact with.
I love you Pop.
Love,
Steven
Our condolences on the passing of Uncle Choppy. Your dad was a great family man and well respected by all. May he rest in eternal peace. Our fathers are back together watching over us all. God bless.
Joe and Kathleen Occhino
I can’t tell you how many times Choppy would lend us his boat to go fishing out near the lighthouse in City Island! He taught us so much with fishing and cooking, I still make his lentis with hot dogs and his pot cheese noodles! Loved sitting and talking with him and laughing! I’ll miss him and send my love to you all! Love John Fiegoli
I grew up younger than my brother Sonny going
To the Navy graduation as a child. My brother had taught me chess and showed me important safety rules of driving, electronics, mechanics, you name it I learned.
My most memorable remembrance with my brother was he had this old movie projector and had all the kids over for a family movie. It was a
silent movie Sonny Ad-lib the movie making jokes
Then reversing it backwards making his comments
We would all bust out laughing it was like watching the Rascals with Alfalfa back in the day.
An so now I have lost my brothers Babe &Sonny and my niece Jamie I always called her Jane and she would have a giggle. I miss them
God bless our family Always.
I am so sorry for your loss. Cousin Sonny was always the life of he party, and it was always a treat to see him when he came to “the country” in Winsted to visit. I always think of him with a smile. I am sorry we lost touch over the years. Rest in peace Sonny.