Joan B. Occhipinti

Joan B. Occhipinti, 86, of Emerson, NJ passed away on July 21, 2023. She was born in NYC on September 27, 1936 and grew up in the Bronx. She was raised in a household with her parents, Angelica B. Gerisch (née Zampini) and Vincent Branchini, and her extended family.

She is survived by her son, Tom Occhipinti, of Hardyston, NJ, her daughter, Anne Occhipinti, son-in-law, Scott Haskell, and her beloved grandchildren, Chiara and Max, of Boston, MA. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who have been so important to her.

For 55 years Joan was married to (the late) G. Thomas Occhipinti. The two met while teaching at the Washington School in Union City, NJ. They shared a profound commitment to the education of children and Joan remained a fierce advocate for children throughout her entire career, and beyond. Whether a classroom teacher, a learning consultant, or finally a Vice Principal of the Emerson Elementary Schools, few things brought her more satisfaction than helping a child get the access and support needed to thrive. For the past 42 years, until this past June, Joan has faithfully chaired the Patrick M. Villano Scholarship Committee. She enjoyed reading the essays of young applicants who also wanted to pursue a career in education.

Her own education had been a source of joy for her. She made lifelong friends from her time at Marymount School 5th Avenue and Marymount College in NYC and attended many reunion events over the years. When her children were in elementary school, she earned her Master’s degree in the evenings at Fairleigh Dickinson. She took a great interest in the education of her children and her grandchildren.

She loved lunch dates with her grandchildren, taking them on shopping trips and playing games with them in the Berkshires. Joan enjoyed her special dates with Chiara especially when driving her to horseback riding lessons. She loved talking hockey with Max (and loved getting to see him play, even if on Christmas Eve!). Joan’s love and devotion to those two kids was boundless.

Joan was an avid reader, a competitive duplicate bridge player (especially after she hung up her tennis racket), a hardcore opera fan who had tickets to the Met for 60 years, a patient cross-stitcher and a maker of her legendary eggplant parmesan. Perhaps surprisingly, she was also a big NY Rangers hockey fan. When not spending cherished time with family in the Berkshires, Joan loved traveling and spent many summers visiting European countries with her husband and close friends. She particularly enjoyed the times spent when her family would vacation in a Tuscan villa – a tradition that extended over several decades.

The family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ on Thursday, July 27th from 3-7PM. A Memorial Mass celebrating Joan's life and faith will be held at R.C. Church Of The Assumption in Emerson, NJ on Friday, July 28th at 10:30AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity or send a check to the Patrick M. Villano Memorial Scholarship Fund to: Emerson Board of Education, 133 Main St. Emerson, NJ 07630.