Joseph Carmen Occhiuto
January 23, 1935 — April 29, 2010
Joseph Carmen Occhiuto, age 75, died Thursday, April 29, 2010. He was born January 23, 1935, in Utica, NY to Rocco and Rose Gulla Occhiuto.
Joe (known as "Papa Joe") grew up in Utica, New York and in Los Angeles, California. He learned the trade of laying carpet from his brother Rocco in Los Angeles which helped him later in life as he ran a successful carpet company with his friend Ralph Gonser. In 1964, Joe helped to open the Overton Beach Resort by becoming their Concessionaire and worked there for 8 years. He competed in a long distance water ski competition and skied two hundred miles. He enjoyed racquetball and racing V.W.s. He taught many "Lake Kids" how to water ski and loved helping friends. He loved living in Overton, Nevada. Papa Joe was loved by all who knew him and will truly be missed.
Survivors include his son, John (Gloria) of Reseda, CA and his grandchildren, Johnny, Toni and Nick; his adopted granddaughter, Gerina Fly of Overton, NV; and one brother, Rocky (Brenda) of La Habra, CA. He was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 12:00 noon at the Sportsman's Pub.