Carmela Occhipinti Obituary

Carmela Occhipinti, 77, of Monroe, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on January 6, 1948, in the coastal town of Pozzallo, Sicily. Carmela was the daughter of Salvatore and Maria. She spent her early childhood immersed in the traditions, faith, and close family ties of her Sicilian heritage. At the age of 8, Carmela and her family made the courageous journey to the United States, where they would build a new life filled with opportunity and love. She came to America with her parents and two brothers, and though she embraced her new home, she always carried a deep love for her homeland in her heart.
As a teenager, Carmela returned to Italy for a family vacation - a trip that would change her life forever. It was there she met the love of her life, Angelo. Their connection was immediate and enduring. They were married in December of 1966 and began a beautiful life together filled with devotion, family, and shared dreams. Together, they raised two loving children, Salvatore and Melissa, who were the absolute pride and joy of Carmela's life.
For over 10 years, Carmela worked as a dedicated bookkeeper while also embracing her most important role as a homemaker. Her greatest pride and joy came from raising her children and caring for her family. She was the heart and soul of her household, a constant source of strength, warmth, and unconditional love.
Carmela had a passion for life's simple pleasures. She loved to shop, relax at the beach-whether it was in Florida during the winters, or back home in Pozzallo during the summers to spend time with family and friends. She found joy in reading, cooking, and baking, especially during holidays and special family gatherings. Her kitchen was filled with love, delicious aromas, and the laughter of those she loved most.
An active member of both the Renaissance at Monroe in New Jersey and Napoli (Naples, Florida) communities, Carmela delighted in playing bocce with friends at the clubhouse, sharing stories and laughter by the pool, and making every moment unforgettable. Carmela had a vibrant spirit that made everyone feel welcome.
But above all, it was her deep love for her family that defined her. Carmela never missed a milestone, a holiday, or a quiet moment to show how much she cared. She was the heart of her family - the one everyone turned to for comfort, wisdom, and love. She gave so much of herself, never asking for anything in return, always putting the needs of others before her own.
To know Carmela was to be loved by her and that is a gift her family and friends will carry in their hearts forever. She was a bright, guiding light in all our lives. She will be deeply missed, and remembered always by all those who knew and loved her.
Carmela was preceded in death by her loving parents, Salvatore and Maria, and by her dear brother Santo.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Angelo; her loving son Salvatore and his wife Cheryl; her adored daughter Melissa and her husband Giuseppe; by her loving brother Angelo, her sisters in law Catherine and Antoinette and her cherished grandchildren: Sara, Alexa, Angelo, Joseph, Michael, and Salvatore. Also by her beloved grand-dogs, Jax and Barkley, as well as many treasured nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Carmela's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org/donate
If you are unable to attend the funeral mass for Carmela in person, you can log on to the livestream by clicking the link below. https://boxcast.tv/view/occhipinti-funeral-mass-ouqi8r51hk5lfsdtcto1