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Michael Occhionero Obituary

Waterford - Michael was one of ten children born to Nicola and Lucia (Donatello) Occhionero in New London on May 8, 1921. He grew up on Lee Ave., and after graduating from Chapman Tech in 1940, joined the Army and was stationed in Japan during World War II. Upon his discharge, he began a 30 year career at Pfizer, retiring in 1979.

He married the former Norma Mae Vallee on November 27, 1943 in New London. Together they had four children, Sandra and husband, Raymond Hocking, of Norwich, Richard of East Lyme, Michael and wife, Jody, of New London and Debra and fiancee, Robert Bradshaw, of Groton.

Mike was happiest when the whole family gathered at his home, especially for the spaghetti dinners which became a tradition every Thursday for nearly thirty years, as he watched his grandchildren grow into adults, with children of their own.

For many years he was an acrtive member of the Waterford Senior Center, and along with his wife, was honored in 2002 by riding in the Waterford Day Parade as the "king and queen" of the Seniors!

For several years he nurtured and sold 1200 multi-colored hardy chrysanthemums from his garden on Route 32 in Quaker Hill. After his retirement, the mums were replaced with a vegetable garden, where he spent the remainder of his vital years. When he became ill, his children knew how much his garden meant to him, so for two years he supervised while they maintained his beloved garden until he left his Quaker Hill home to enter Bayview Nursing Faciliy where he resided for three months before moving to assisted living at Crescent Point in Niantic, where he was later joined by his wife.

He was "Papa Occh" to seven wonderful grandchildren, Mark, Richard, Michael, Jennifer and Daniel Occhionero, Dina Occhionero Greene and Gina Marie Kent. He was also blessed with five adorable great-grandchildren, Gracey, Jack, West and Stella Occhionero and Madison Greene.

Besides his wife of 69 years, he leaves a brother, Angelo of Waterford; and a sister, Loretta Gambini of Deep River; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by seven siblings, Mary French, Nina Hallissey, Connie Gatheral and Al, John, Joseph and Luigi Occhionero.

His family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London. Family and friends are to gather for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Friday, in St. Joseph Church, 17 Squire St., New London. Interment will follow in Jordan Cemetery with military honors.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Nov. 15, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Occhionero

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November 19, 2012

Norma I was so sorry to read of Mikes
passing. I know I haven't seen you at
the senior center in quite a while but
I did think of you. Take care of yourself. My sympathies to all your
family. Myrna Edgecomb and family

Carl Sheppard

November 17, 2012

Deb, Mike and family,
Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I know he was so special to you all. May fond memories soon replace the grief you are all now feeling.

November 16, 2012

I am so sorry about the passing of Uncle Mike. It is always so hard when you lose a father.He will remain in everyones thoughts. Cousin Cindy (Gambini) Stemmerman

Mort and Susan Kenyon

November 16, 2012

The Occhionero Family, Sorry to hear about Mike's passing. He was a wonderful, sweet guy and all the Kenyons thought the world of him. I'm glad I got to see him last summer.He was still sharp as a tack and I really enjoyed our time together. Our sincere condolences.

November 15, 2012

So sorry for your loss. Though I never met Mr. Occhinero, I fondly remember his display of mums. To this day when I see mums I think of him.

Maggie McCoil and Family

November 15, 2012

To The Occhionero Family:
Sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Occhionero. Out thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Alisha and Jeff Frazier

November 15, 2012

Dina,
So sorry to hear the loss of your grandfather. You and your family are in our prayers. Love you!!!

Kevin Kenyon

November 15, 2012

So sorry to hear of the passing of such a great guy. I will always remember his garden when Dad brought me to visit your house. He had a long and happy life.

November 15, 2012

So sorry to hear of "Uncle Mikes" passing. I'm so glad I stopped by to visit him when I was in New London this past August. He and Norma were my Babysitters when they were dating,(I babysat Sandy & Dick when they were just little tykes) I was a flower girl at their wedding - Our families picnicked at Rocky Neck every sunday when we were kids. He was a very special part of my life.
Donnette Enos Gruel

November 15, 2012

Dicky and family,
Iam sorry to hear of your dad's passing.I always remember his flowers and his old pickup truck when we were kids. Paul Guido

Michelle Palmieri

November 15, 2012

Danny,
sorry to hear of your loss.. my thoughts are with you.
With Love,

November 15, 2012

Dicky we are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
All of our love, Wendy and Jim

HENRY FREDELLA

November 15, 2012

THE LOCAL DEER ENJOYED HIS VEGETABLE GARDEN EACH YEAR AS MUCH AS HE DID!
MISS YOU.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

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