Dr. John Victor Ciocca

Dr. John Victor Ciocca, 71, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on November 18, 2025. Born on October 8, 1954, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, he was the beloved son of Irene Dudinyak Ciocca and John Mauro Ciocca.

John was a devoted father to his three children: Kimberly Lucas, John Ciocca, and Natalie Ciocca. He is also survived by their mother, Carolyn Ciocca, and his 2 grand-children Henry and James Lucas.

He was deeply cherished by his family; his grounding spirit, encouragement, and bear hugs will always be missed.

John graduated from Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, PA in 1972 and earned his BA from Wilkes University in 1976. He continued his education at Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, receiving his M.S. in Clinical Psychology in 1978 and his Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in 1981.

From 1985 to 1988, Dr. Ciocca was Chief Clinical Officer of Mid-South Hospital, Memphis TN. From 1990 to 1996, he was Chief of Psychology at Lakeside Behavioral Hospital and an Associate Professor at Rhodes College. In 1988, John founded Exeter Psychotherapy of which he remained the President until his death.

In 2012, he became the co-founder and director of the JC Runyan Foundation, a college scholarship program for students financially affected by mental health issues.

Dr. Ciocca was a voracious reader and avid collector of antiques & artifacts. He loved hosting annual family trips to Seaside, Florida since the 90's.

John will be remembered as a precious, devoted father and a soul beloved by many. His legacy of kindness, intellect, and empathy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.