We created this memorial to celebrate the life of Edison Charles Occhi. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort as we begin our lives without him. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
Edison Charles Occhi, 88, of Berlin, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. He was the husband of the late Henrietta (Sokolowski) Occhi.
Born in Berlin, he was the son of the late Ementor and Theresa (Grasso) Occhi. Edison was a lifelong Berlin resident and was a U.S. Marine Veteran of the Korean War. Edison was formerly employed as a tool and die maker at New Departure in Bristol before retiring. He was a life member of the... see more
Edison Charles Occhi, 88, of Berlin, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. He was the husband of the late Henrietta (Sokolowski) Occhi.
Born in Berlin, he was the son of the late Ementor and Theresa (Grasso) Occhi. Edison was a lifelong Berlin resident and was a U.S. Marine Veteran of the Korean War. Edison was formerly employed as a tool and die maker at New Departure in Bristol before retiring. He was a life member of the NRA, a member and past Commander of Berlin VFW Post 10732, and was a member of the Marine Corps League, the Mattabasett Range, the Wallingford Rod and Gun Club, and St. Paul Church.
Surviving are two sons, Martin Occhi and his wife Pamela of Wyoming, Charles Occhi and his wife Krys of Berlin; a daughter, Sandra Karoll and her husband Randy of Berlin; a brother, Theodore Occhi and his wife Eleanor of New Hampshire; his sister, Amelia Occhi of Berlin; five grandchildren and their spouses, Marcus and Julie Occhi, Marcie and David Lapides, Ross and Rachael Karoll, and Luke and Logan Karoll; four great-grandchildren, Colten and Ella Occhi, Jeremy and Tali Lapides; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11:30 AM at St. Paul Church. Burial, with military honors, will be in Maple Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Monday morning from 9 AM to 11 AM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin/Porters, 111 Chamberlain Hwy, Kensington. For those of you who can not attend in person please visit the memorial site; https://www.gatheringus.com/memorial/edison-charles-occhi/3976
Ted, I'm very sorry to hear of your brother's passing. Sorry that I missed the services - I just learned of this from The Berlin Citizen. I hope you and your wife are well, and safe. Your Friend, Dave Lounder
From Bob McHugh: Thinking of Ed and the wonderful conversations we shared. A man I truly admired and connected with at The Bristol Fish & Game Club. Will miss him and have great memories of our good times together. My sympathy to his... moreFrom Bob McHugh: Thinking of Ed and the wonderful conversations we shared. A man I truly admired and connected with at The Bristol Fish & Game Club. Will miss him and have great memories of our good times together. My sympathy to his family.
Sincerely,
Bob McHugh less
From Kerry Sheridan: To the family of Ed, he was a true Marine, friend, and sportsman. I met him about 8 yrs ago, turned out he knew my Dad at New Departure, belonged to the Wallingford Rod and gun club, where I did also as a young person who helped... moreFrom Kerry Sheridan: To the family of Ed, he was a true Marine, friend, and sportsman. I met him about 8 yrs ago, turned out he knew my Dad at New Departure, belonged to the Wallingford Rod and gun club, where I did also as a young person who helped build the clubhouse.. I feel bad I can not attend his services, because of Corvid 19,. And as part of Post 10732, I worked for Ed on his Poppy drives. He will be Truly missed by all.
Kerry Sheridan, That I was Army and in Viet Nam and he in Korea as Marine, we always shared stories. I walk at the Vets park in Berlin almost every day, one a the few places my Doctors will allow, I stop and salute the Marine flag
And say Hi to Ed and ask him to save me a spot!!
Sorry for your lose less
From Mike Bradley: Eddy and me go back several years.We had many many conversations about his Marine Corps experiences,and being wounded in action in Korea.We also talked about other topics including his dog.We belonged to New Departure Fish And Game... moreFrom Mike Bradley: Eddy and me go back several years.We had many many conversations about his Marine Corps experiences,and being wounded in action in Korea.We also talked about other topics including his dog.We belonged to New Departure Fish And Game Club.We had fun joking around,and being serious.He was a great guy, I will miss him .
Mike Bradley less
From Anthony Trovato: I have know Ed ever since I joined the 15th CVI more than 50 years ago. Over the years we skirmished, hunted, snowmobiled and partied together. It was an honor to have known the Commander, the Marine and the man. My wife Carol and... moreFrom Anthony Trovato: I have know Ed ever since I joined the 15th CVI more than 50 years ago. Over the years we skirmished, hunted, snowmobiled and partied together. It was an honor to have known the Commander, the Marine and the man. My wife Carol and I extend our sincere condolences to his children, his sister, his brother, and the rest of their families. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Anthony Trovato less
From Steve Jankowski: Gunny was a real man. He had convictions and principle.I met him at New Departure Gun Club and will always remember our conversations about Korea.
Steve Jankowski
As the fall days are quickly coming to New England for yet another year we think of colored leaves and pumpkin patches and apple pie, but my thoughts are of going to school for first grade. It takes me back to my first... moreFrom Amelia Occhi:
My Marine
As the fall days are quickly coming to New England for yet another year we think of colored leaves and pumpkin patches and apple pie, but my thoughts are of going to school for first grade. It takes me back to my first recognition of a holiday. One that would become a very special one to me. Veterans Day, 1951. I came home asking my mother what it was, after our teacher circled it on the calendar and posted a cutout picture of a solider holding the US flag on the bulletin board. What was a Veteran? As she related the meaning of Veteran, I had a hard time formulating what it really meant. She mentioned Marines, men returning from fighting a war. I thought about the book on the table in the living room with in large letters on the cover of World War II. I knew the pictures in the book by heart, the dead bodies of people and mothers holding lifeless babies in their arms and with faces of sadness, horror and tears. That was all I could make of what she told me at the time.
Somewhere in that month of my life another memory was imbedded in my consciousness, but veiled with mystery and dream like qualities. It’s a timeline where events jump ahead and backwards on the line. One such event is my first remembrances of my oldest brother. It was on one Saturday my family and I were at theater in New Britain and my brother and other young men on the stage with men spouting lots of speeches and much fanfare. A live band played and bright lights lite the stages and all the young faces shone brightly. I came to understand they were Marines, soldiers. Years later I was to see pictures clipped from a newspaper, yellowed with age, of the induction ceremonies for May 1950 Marine, Army and Navy volunteers. The pictures were confirmations of my visions and proved the event not to be a dream.
My thoughts go back to those years of not knowing my brother. In the days to come I would hear my mother and father talk about Sonny. Was he safe? When would he come home? Would he decide to never come back to CT but live in California? An anger father shouting that he didn’t want to go to the dance, how could he have a good time worrying about his son, how could my mother dance and enjoy herself during these days of worry and not knowing how her son was. I was too little to remember him at home; I was only 4 when he left for the Marines. I knew Sonny had sent letters to us, gave my mother a pillow that she had on our chair in the living room of bright red fabric with US Marines embroider on it and trimmed with gold fringe around the edges. Yes, and the records in our house that I played over and over again, till I memorized every word, like, “Tell it to the Marines”, The Marine, Army and Airforce Hymns, and of course “Make Love to Me”, they were his. He sent me a real grass skirt, halter-top with pictures of Hawaiian girls on it and a ukulele. I knew Sonny was my brother. I knew my other brother “ T” (Theodore/Ted) because I would wake up early in the morning and run upstairs to jump in bed with him where he would try to keep me from talking so he could get a few more minutes of sleep. Sonny and T had their bedrooms upstairs. Sonny's dresser and bed were there, as well as his Yankee team pictures on the wall, pictures of Joe DiMaggio, and captions like World Series Champions over the pictures. Model planes hung from the ceiling and others were set on a small shelf. There were playing cards tucked under the clothes in his dresser with scantly clothed "pin up girls" pictures on them and a few other items belonging to the "teens" of the time but he never was there to sleep. I would sit on the bed and somehow felt connected as if I knew him. I can close my eyes and see their rooms as if they were still intact today. A bed a dresser and a few scant belongings, a reflection of simpler times.
As memories fade and revive themselves, a most special Christmas comes to my mind. It was Christmas Eve and late at night. Someone opened the cellar door, walked up the stairs leading to the kitchen. They stopped on the top stairs. My mother, father sat in the kitchen, I laid awake in my bed. Mom blurred out “who could be coming over at this hour on Christmas Eve”, not expecting anyone. As Dad walked to the door he muttered “Could it be” and opened the door. I instantly knew that it wasn’t St. Nick, the vibrations from my family and close family ties were and are strong, we knew who it was. As I describe this scene to this day tears and emotion well up inside of me, with more excitement and thrill than in any movie I have every experienced. Not one movie that Hollywood could conjure up has captured the feelings that are stored in me representing that moment. There he was larger than life, so handsome in his uniform, so tall, that was my brother, the Marine, my Marine. The image I recall was of him filling the whole opening of the door, touching the top of the door jam. Flinging down on the kitchen floor his heavy olive-green duffle bag. Not a traveler’s weary eye did we see but bright shine in his face and strong lasting embraces, of someone with great energy. I knew and felt happiness beyond words that transcended from my mother, father and brother. The rest of that evening vanishes into the night for me as the memory of a child would. Sonny was home for his first leave from Korea. There are no adequate words created by man to describe his homecoming and the transformation of his and our lives that resulted from events he witnesses and time he spent apart from us and as we as a family spent apart from him. With that visit home we all went to see a movie in New Britain . This handsome man dressed in uniform, took my hand and walked with me, my mother had a tear and not till years later did I find out exactly why.
The years passed and Sonny came home to stay. He was a man now and informed us all that he wanted to be called Ed, he wasn’t Sonny any more. Now I was going to get to know my brother! He was 15 when I was born. He scolded my mother and father after getting the news that he was going to be a brother again. “Why do you want to bring a screaming baby into the house”. A few months after I was born, he told Mom, she's not so bad, she doesn't cry that much at all". But he didn’t want to have too much to do with the baby. That’s why our mother shed a tear on our trip to the at that Christmas time movie, when he took my hand to walk with me. Now, I was six and he was going to be twenty-one. My peaceful world just ended. He just loved to see me squirm, he would tease and tease till I was in tears, I don't know what he would say but I would cry and mother would chase the twenty year old around the kitchen, out the door and out the back steps hollering and sometimes swinging a broom. I guess he teased me latter to make up for that crying baby. He was home and I had a normal brother like everyone else. Little did I know then how blessed I was. Soon after Ted was home from the Marines as well and I was soon to learn, Ed was an avid hunter as were the rest of the men in our family. Knowing that fact make me understand, the sharp shooting medals on his uniform.
I grew up and had a family same as my brother did. Now my brother and I finally had lots of things in common and the age gap disappeared. I hung around watching my brother work in the family’s shop for many years to come; we did most of our chatting then while he worked. I brought my children to the "workshop" and they chatted with Uncle Ed. He coined my son Jim "Oscar the grouch" after the TV character and that turned out to be a common thread. Since that “grouch” was said to be the same for both Uncle and Nephew along with a mechanical aptitude they both have. Ed and T (Ted) joined a bunch of guys that have embraced musket shooting and re-enactment of Civil War Soldiers, of course we tagged along to see them shoot for 57 years. Ed says "they shoot by Braille" now, but don’t be fooled the two are still sharp shooters and medal winners. To have him 74 years, I was so blessed. My brother was always there if I need him, always a rock of stability and protective of me and our whole family. Someone once commented that Ed carried the weight of the world on his shoulders as a young man, maybe that's what happens when you are the oldest and you volunteer to go to war for your country. I think of all the things I learned from my brother and if I wrote a list, it could be possibly be the longest list in the world. He was my smart, caring, strong and one part of the other half (that what my two brothers are called by many how know them). He is my Marine and will always be one to me.
Ti Amo mi fratelo, Amelia
Original written Nov. 2001, updated June 2020 by Amelia Occhi
Foot note: Many Italian family first born sons are nicknamed Sonn less
How Edison got his name maybe something you wondered about. Not a typical Italian name and people often ask if it’s Italian. Edison was born on Farmington Avenue Kensington (Berlin) Connecticut on... moreFrom Amelia Occhi:
Edison Charles Occhi’s Name
How Edison got his name maybe something you wondered about. Not a typical Italian name and people often ask if it’s Italian. Edison was born on Farmington Avenue Kensington (Berlin) Connecticut on October 21, 1931. My Mother and Father were renting the 2 nd floor apartment in our Grandfather Lorenzo/Grandmother Giacomina Occhi’s home. Mom was told by her sister-in-law’s not to go to a hospital and have a midwife at home, so she did. So as the custom at the time the doctor would come to the house the next day to check Mom, Baby and write the birth certificate. October 22, 1931 Dr. Griswold from Berlin, CT came to visit Mom and new Baby. When asked what did they want for the infants’ name, Mom and Dad had not pick one. Dr. Griswold suggested Edison since Thomas Edison was to be buried that day, October
22,1931. So Edison Charles (Charles the English version for “Carlo” his deceased Grandfather, our Mom’s father). Edison was nicknamed as many Italian families did as “Sonny”. After Edison came home for the Korea, he emphatically stated “don’t call me Sonny my name is ED”.
Thomas Edison died October 18, 1931.
From Peter Simard: I am very sorry to hear about Gunny. I knew him as a fellow member from MRPC. Funny and I had some great conversations over the years. I also learned a lot from him. He will be missed.
From Sheri and Peter Cricco: We are very sorry for the your loss, he will forever look over all of you and be in your hearts forever, our deepest condolences.
Sheri & Peter Cricco
From Elly Dougherty: Charlie & Krys,
I'm sorry for your loss. Your Dad will rest peacefully now with your Mom. May your memories help you thru this time and bring you some peace for a life well lived!
From Curt and Susan Strong: My husband Curt and I met Ed when my husband decided to join N-SSA and the 15CVI. Ed was always very helpful and supporting. My husband and I had over 12 years of fun Skirmishing with the 15th and Ed was a big part of our... moreFrom Curt and Susan Strong: My husband Curt and I met Ed when my husband decided to join N-SSA and the 15CVI. Ed was always very helpful and supporting. My husband and I had over 12 years of fun Skirmishing with the 15th and Ed was a big part of our enjoyment. I am sorry he is no longer in our world. less
From Gordon Campbell: Ed was a great mentor and friend as my Dad and I started our skirmishing career in the 15th CVI. Always quiet, but quick to share anything, especially advise. I always looked up to him and appreciated him as a teammate and friend.... moreFrom Gordon Campbell: Ed was a great mentor and friend as my Dad and I started our skirmishing career in the 15th CVI. Always quiet, but quick to share anything, especially advise. I always looked up to him and appreciated him as a teammate and friend. His loss is our loss. A true American hero. I was blessed to have know him. less
From Donald Richards: You were a very good friend of mine Ed and we shared many of the same interests and I will miss your vast knowledge of the interests we shared. I first met you 50 years ago at your Father's shop. Rest In peace.
My condolences... moreFrom Donald Richards: You were a very good friend of mine Ed and we shared many of the same interests and I will miss your vast knowledge of the interests we shared. I first met you 50 years ago at your Father's shop. Rest In peace.
My condolences to the family.
Donald Richard, Kensington, CT less
From: Aubrey Fisher: I knew you in NEW DEPARTURE and after when I joined the N.D.F.& G. CLUB. You will certainly be missed by all who knew you. We always had a lot of fun at the range, and afterwards when all the stories were being told.
From Dan Stedman: For over 50 years, the members and their families of the 14th Regiment Virginia Cavalry, CSA had the honor of knowing Ed. Always a fierce competitor but always a true gentleman and patriot. The World is a better place because of him. We... moreFrom Dan Stedman: For over 50 years, the members and their families of the 14th Regiment Virginia Cavalry, CSA had the honor of knowing Ed. Always a fierce competitor but always a true gentleman and patriot. The World is a better place because of him. We thank him for his service to his country and his years of participation in a sport we all love...the North-South Skirmish Association. Things won’t be the same. To his family: our deepest sympathy. The Regiment.
In lieu of flowers, our team has made a donation in Ed’s name to the Marine Corps League. less
From Dave and Deb Mangone: It is with a heavy heart, Deb and I send our deepest condolences to the Occhi and Karoll family at this time. Your Brother/father/Grandfather/Great Grandfather was a special person to me when I was twelve years old. I would... moreFrom Dave and Deb Mangone: It is with a heavy heart, Deb and I send our deepest condolences to the Occhi and Karoll family at this time. Your Brother/father/Grandfather/Great Grandfather was a special person to me when I was twelve years old. I would spend my Thursday nights hanging out at Occhi power equipment with Ed and Teddy and Mrs. Occhi. I would pick up lawnmowers, tractors and snowmobiles and fix them up with the help of Ed and Teddy. If I needed any parts Mrs Occhi would order them for me. I would hate to see my Thursday nights end, but looked forward to the next one. Those are some great childhood memories that I will never forget. In closing I want to say Ed was not just a neighbor, teacher or Hero, he was my neighbor, my teacher and my world hero. Thank you for the wonderful memories, Rest In Peace. less
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