Joseph Occhipinti Jr.

Joseph Occhipinti Jr. passed into the hands of God after a brief illness on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Rome Health, surrounded by his loving family.

Joseph was born on March 5, 1934, at Rome Memorial Hospital in Rome, New York, to Joseph Occhipinti Sr. and Mary (Gratch) Occhipinti. Joe grew up in Rome and graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1953. He later attended Mohawk Valley Technical Institute (MVTI) in Utica, New York.

In 1966, he married the love of his life, Paulette Tonni, beginning a marriage that would span nearly sixty years and be blessed with family, friendship, and a life built together. They later welcomed two sons, Joseph III and Jason, of whom he would often say with great affection, "My boys are so good to me, it makes me want to cry."

Joe built a career as an electronics technician, first working for RCA and later serving for 33 years as a civilian federal employee at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome. His career brought him to remote corners of the world, from Thule, Greenland, in the high Arctic, to the islands of the Azores in the Atlantic.

In 1976, Joe discovered a passion that would remain with him for the rest of his life as a Revolutionary War reenactor at Fort Stanwix National Monument. As a member of the original reenactment garrison, he volunteered more than 40 years of service to the Fort. In 2016, he was recognized for having contributed over one million dollars' worth of volunteer service. During those years he made countless friends and cherished the opportunity to be part of living history.

In addition to his volunteer service at Fort Stanwix National Monument, Joe was deeply involved in the community. He served as a ceremonial pallbearer for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, was a member of the Camden Rod and Gun Club and the Ohio Gun Builders Club, served as Secretary of the Fort Stanwix Stamp Club, and was honored as Grand Marshal of Rome's 2016 Honor America Days parade alongside his friend, Mr. George Walters.

Throughout his life, Joseph possessed a remarkable fighting spirit, having survived rheumatic fever and defeated cancer not once, but twice.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Paulette; his sons, Joseph Occhipinti III and Jason Occhipinti; his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth (Doeing) Occhipinti; his granddaughter, Angelina Occhipinti; his sister, Christine (Occhipinti) Betrus; sisters-in-law Michelle Sojda and Virginia Tuttle; brother-in-law Lawrence Sojda, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Occhipinti Sr. and Mary Occhipinti; his brother, John "Dick" Occhipinti; and his brother-in-law, William Tuttle.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the emergency room, ICU, and floor 2E staff (especially Nurse Jakob) at Rome Health for their compassionate and exemplary care.

Joe will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his commitment to his community, and the many treasured friendships he formed through a life dedicated to service, history, and the people he loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Joseph's name to the Rome Lions Club, Jervis Public Library, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14th, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E. Dominick St, Rome, NY 13440.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome NY 13440.