Jack John Occhiogrosso, age 86, of Frisco, Texas, passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021, while recuperating from COVID 19 a few weeks prior. He was born on January 7, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, to Josephine (Seville) and Francesco Occhiogrosso. Jack proudly served his country in the United States Army. He obtained his Business Degree from City University of New York and his Master’s Degree from Hofstra University. Jack married his loving wife Ruth Louise Lahm on June 22, 1957; they were together for 53 years when she lost her battle with cancer. Together they raised their four children – Frank, Richard, Kathy and Jackie on Long Island, NY. They forged lifelong friendships with their neighbors, raised their children and enjoyed playing golf and days spent on the beach.
Jack had great success working for the JCPenney Corporation for 36 years. In 1979, his career led them across the country to Westlake Village, California, then back to the east coast to Holmdel, New Jersey. They finally settled in Dallas, Texas, in 1986 where he was active in their church and various social associations. He made many great friends wherever he lived. Once retired, he played lots of golf and card games at his country club and spent time with his grandchildren. He and Ruth travelled to many wonderful locations around the world and took all their kids and grandkids on beach vacations where many great memories were made and cherished. Jack was a generous and loving man whose family will miss him dearly.
Throughout his life, Jack had a smile that lit up his handsome face! He and Ruth enjoyed going to social events and were terrific dancers. After losing his wife he was fortunate to meet Virginia Cook and they had a lovely relationship until his passing. In recent years Jack suffered from the effects of Alzheimer’s but through it all, he had a sparkle in his eyes and remained loving to his family and friends.
Jack is survived by his children, Frank Occhiogrosso of Bayport, New York, Kathy Occhiogrosso and her husband, James Ward, of North Richland Hills, Texas, and Jackie Bain and her husband, Jeff, of Frisco, Texas; his grandchildren, Angela Occhiogrosso, Greg Ward, Matt Ward, Kaitlyn Manser, Tiffany Occhiogrosso, Kristina and her husband Chris Alfano, Alison and her husband James Farison, and Jake Occhiogrosso; his great-grandson, Ethan Farison; his sister, Jeannie DiBiasi of New York; his sister-in-law, Florence Yudt of New York, numerous nieces and nephews; as well as his dear friend Virginia Cook of Dallas, Texas.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth Occhiogrosso, his son, Richard Occhiogrosso, his granddaughter, Michele Occhiogrosso, his brother, Michael Occhiogrosso, his daughters-in-laws, Karen and Tirra Occhiogrosso, and his parents, Josephine and Francesco Occhiogrosso.
We will plan to celebrate Jack’s life in the near future when the COVID 19 vaccine is administered to more of our friends and family. Please wear your masks, it could save lives!
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to:
Alzheimer’s Association
https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pg=fund&fr_id=1060&pxfid=664857