Vincent Occhiogrosso
January 29, 1942 - July 27, 2016
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Vincent Occhiogrosso
January 29, 1942 - July 27, 2016
Obituary
Vincent Occhiogrosso
January 29, 1942 – July 27, 2016
Often times he would answer the phone “Murphy’s Mortuary”, or “Jake’s Pool Hall”. While napping he was simply “just checking his eyelids for holes” He was known for his sense of humor.
Vince was a kind, sweet, loving, and quirky guy who read the newspaper daily checking for his obituary to make sure he wasn’t listed that day. Heaven forbid if you borrowed a tool and didn’t return it, he would never let you forget it! His last few years were very difficult as he had lost the love of his life in 2014, Cis. Despite chronic health issues, he always had a twinkle in his eye, a quick smile and he never met a stranger.
He was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1942 to Nunzio and Gloria Occhiogrosso. After his father’s death in 1946, the family moved to Westlake, Louisiana where he grew up. Vince attended Westlake High School and joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. While stationed in Oak Harbor, Washington in 1959 he met and married Darleen Benner. He enjoyed 6 years as an aircraft carrier nuclear weapons specialist and traveled to Japan and Cuba during the missile crisis among many other domestic and international destinations. Vince and Darleen welcomed daughter Melody in 1960, son Chuck 1961 and daughter Diana in 1969. The family resided in Ferndale, Washington where he worked for Intalco.
In 1976 he returned to his hometown of Westlake, Louisiana and married Corina Trim in July 1977 they welcomed a son, Guy in 1981. He spent the next thirty-five years in Southwest Louisiana working as a Millwright. He went on to be an industrial hydraulics instructor at Sowela Tech and taught shop at his alma mater Westlake High School. He enjoyed many hobbies including playing guitar and drums, singing and building wood toys in his shop. In 2013 Vince and Cis moved back to Washington to be near their children. He attended Westlake United Methodist Church and United Church of Ferndale.
Vince was preceded in death by his parents, Nunzio Occhiogrosso and Gloria Forst Fast, his stepfather Leon Fast, his wife, Cis Trim Occhiogrosso, and his sister, Cheri Gravatt. He is survived by one sister, Ann Lavergne (Russell), four brothers, Lloyd Gravatt (Bev), Leon Fast (Debbie), Billy Fast (Tami), and Bobby Fast (Johanna). He is survived by four children, Melody Occhiogrosso, Chuck Occhiogrosso (Jeanne), Diana McDonald (Scott), and Guy Occhiogrosso. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. In addition, he is survived by lifelong friend Jimmy George, who he kept in frequent contact with and who matched his ability to talk endlessly, and special friend Beth Marsau who was an integral part of his last couple years. Memorial service at United Church of Ferndale in Ferndale, Washington on Sunday, August 21st at 3:00 pm. His final resting place will be at Stillwaters Cremation Cemetery.
The family would like to extend many thanks to the staff at the Mt. Baker kidney center in Bellingham, and DaVita in Sulphur, LA both of which he talked endlessly about his love and appreciation.
PSST Dad, did you read the paper today? We are sad to say you are in it.
“Hard to be humble when you’re great!”
In lieu of flowers, the family of Vince requests donations be made to Whatcom Hospice House or the United Church of Ferndale.
Whatcom Hospice house: http://whatcomhospice.org/give.html#waystogive
United Church of Ferndale.
Celebration Of Life
- Date & Time: January 16, 8212 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: United Church Of Ferndale
- Location: 2034 Washington Street Ferndale, WA 98248 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) 38-4-3302
16 responses to Vincent Occhiogrosso
Lanae Williams (Benner) says:
July 27, 2016
Big hugs to my wonderful, sweet family. I am so sorry for your loss, what a beautiful obituary. I love you all and although only got to really know Vince in the last couple years, couldn’t help but love him too. He was always very kind to me and talked with me as if we’d always been friends. I’m only sorry I never had the chance to try his authentic cooking. Love to you all, I’m working this weekend, please forgive my absence and know you’re all in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️❤️ Blessings, Lanae W.
Priscilla Gravatt Riat says:
July 27, 2016
The obituary is a wonderful salute to Vincent. God Bless all of his family. I have many memories of the fun times we spent together while growing up. He use to tease me so much. I remember one time while my family and I were visiting Aunt Glory and Uncle Lon in Westlake, we kids went swimming. Vincent brought along a friend (good looking guy). I think I was about 13 or 14, Vince and his friend would sit on the bank and yell out, “Hey Dream Boat.” I would turn to look and they would say, “Not you, you ship wreck.” It took me a long time to learn to ignore them. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. Rest in Peace, Vince.
Priscilla Gravatt Riat
Priscilla Gravatt Riat says:
July 27, 2016
The obituary is a wonderful salute to Vincent. God Bless all of his family. I have many memories of the fun times we spent together while growing up. He use to tease me so much. I remember one time while my family and I were visiting Aunt Glory and Uncle Lon in Westlake, we kids went swimming. Vincent brought along a friend (good looking guy). I think I was about 13 or 14, Vince and his friend would sit on the bank and yell out, “Hey Dream Boat.” I would turn to look and they would say, “Not you, you ship wreck.” It took me a long time to learn to ignore them. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. Rest in Peace, Vince.
Priscilla Gravatt Riat
Teena Smith (formerly a Busdriver for Westlake T&I) says:
July 27, 2016
Remembering Vince as he was is the most important thing about him. I was a Busdriver that transported students from Sulphur High School to Westlake High School. Everyday I was blessed with his smile & candor of life!! I always looked forward to seeing him. There was never a day that he wasn’t smiling. He loved Christmas time because that was when he made all those toys! He was truly a gifted craftsman. He always spoke so lovingly of his wife, children & menagerie of animals. I remember him speaking of his miniature horse, chickens & his German Shepherd. Before he retired he spoke about moving up to Washington with his son. I had told him that my father & stepmother lived in Lakewood, WA. so we had something in common, our loved ones that lived so near to each other but we were so far from them!!
Vince will definitely be missed by so many!!! Funny, I was just thinking about him last week. Sending thoughts & prayers to all of you!!!♥
Douglas Fautt says:
July 27, 2016
Vince will surly be missed. We became friends in 1959 at Oak Harbor, Washington. I had the joy of serving with him on a West Pac Cruise that same year. He was a Weapons Expert and i was a Plane Captain. His Humor remains with me to this very day; what a smile he shared with all of us that year. Vince was Honest and trust worthy in all respects.
Although we were both young and still learning he made the most of every opportunity to advance. What a smart man. We have remained long distant friends all these years and i sure valued that time right up until now. I look forward to when we can meet again.
Douglas Fautt USN Retired.