Anthony R. 'Kaye' Occhipinti

Anthony R. "Kaye" Occhipinti was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 31, 1917, and died peacefully at home, on October 30, 2013. He was the oldest son of the late Giovanni and Santa LaRocca Occhipinti of Camporeale, Sicily. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Gloria Wimberly Occhipinti. Kaye's greatest joy was hosting, along with his wife, Sunday dinner for their large family and friends. All were welcome. He was graduated from St. Aloysius High School where he excelled on the boxing team. He earned a boxing scholarship to Loyola University where he was a two-time Golden Gloves, Sugar Bowl and SAAU champion. In 2001, he was inducted into the Loyola University Athletic Hall of Fame. Kaye was a veteran of World War II and served six years in the United States Navy, having attained the rank of Lt. Commander. After an honorable discharge from the service, he returned to New Orleans and was graduated from Loyola University School of Law. He was a well-respected and popular trial attorney, a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association for 63 years. His word was his bond. As a long-time member of the New Orleans Athletic Club, he spent many enjoyable hours playing cards with his friends. Kaye was an avid fisherman, cook, parade-goer, mushroom collector and life of the party. He is survived by his sister, Gerolama O. Burkhardt (late Wilton), and was preceded in death by his sister and brothers, Frances O. Batson (late Davis), Rosario Occhipinti, Roy Occhipinti (late Julia) and Frank Occhipinti (Lady Patricia). Father of Karen O. Booth, Cynthia O. Lapara (Nicholas), Joan O. Grace (Christopher, Jr.) John A. Occhipinti (Kathy) and Dennis M. Occhipinti (Priscilla). Beloved "Papa" of grandchildren the (late) Joseph Booth, Perry Booth, IV (Zara), Michael Booth (Kimberly), Jonathan Booth (Katherine), Nicholas Lapara III, Heather G. Villarrubia (Todd), Christopher Grace III (Sheila), Sean Grace (Jennifer), Anthony Occhipinti (Laurie), Matthew Occhipinti, Kara Occhipinti, Gina O. Martin (James), Kaitlin Occhipinti, Holly O. Thompson (James), Michaella Occhipinti and Dennis Occhipinti II, and great-grandchildren, Perry and Greta Booth; Michael, Olivia, Lauren, Beau and Brady Booth; Elijah, Hannah and Evelyn Booth; (late) Ashley, (late) Collin and Hailey Cummiskey; Grace and Lily Villarrubia; Myles Cadwell; Lindsey, Emme, Christopher, Sophia, Evangeline and Spencer Grace; Sean Grace, Jr.; Stella Occhipinti, Poppy Thompson and Thomas Martin. Survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family extends its special thanks to Anthony's devoted caregivers, Ella Bradstreet, Barbara Davis, Whitney Franklin, Earline Melton and Sandy Ricard. A private memorial mass took place at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home on November 6, 2013, Father Peter Finney III officiating. Internment followed in Metairie Cemetery. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories and condolences online at www.lakelawn metairie.com.