Carl Frank Occhipinti's Obituary
Carl Frank Occhipinti, born Sept. 29, 1948, died peacefully Thursday, June 11, 2026, at his home in Twin Lake, Michigan. He was 77.
Carl grew up in Grand Rapids, attended St. Joseph Seminary and Aquinas College. He received his bachelor's degree from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas, and his master's degree in social work (MSW) from Michigan State University.
As a former seminarian, Carl dedicated his life to service. He worked as a vocational rehab counselor and manager for Muskegon County and the State of Michigan for four decades. He was quiet in his work and philanthropy, helping people with disabilities reach their potential. A lifelong blood donor and past president of the Twin-Lake Lion's Club, he was always there to lend a hand.
Carl was known for his whip-smart sense of humor, often supplying the humor in Latin and Greek, a reflection of his years in seminary and an acutely brilliant mind. He saw the absurdity in life and never failed to offer a wisecrack. He was kind and funny and knew so much trivia that family members called him "your phone a friend" when you needed an answer to something. He recently sent a birthday wish to a sibling: Vive diu et prospero ("live long and prosper").
Carl was also known for entertaining friends and family at his lake home. He and Martha were consummate hosts, cooking up a storm with the backdrop of a beautiful home garden and lakefront deck views. Boats, floats and water volleyball ruled those summer gatherings, as did an overflowing bar and tiki hut. Good bourbon and fine wine were his drinks of choice and he was a proud pontoon boat captain.
But in the fall, all thoughts turned to Notre Dame football. Carl was an avid fan, attending dozens of home games over the years in South Bend, Indiana, as well as away games in several states. We often called him the 'bionic man' because he had knees and hips replaced as well as several heart stents implanted. He was an athlete - basketball, football, high jump - until his later years and especially loved racketball. He taught us all to "Play Like a Champion." He had a champion's heart.
Carl was a man of few words, but many stories. He told snippets of his adventures, from sneaking out of the dorms during high school at seminary to getting tear-gassed in 1968 in Chicago protesting the Vietnam War. A worldwide traveler, Carl explored places such as Australia, Great Britain, Hawaii, Yellow Knife, Canada, and Sicily, where the family's heritage began.
Carl is survived by his wife of 45 years, Martha Olovson, and his two children, son Christopher Occhipinti and daughter-in-law Ariana Jeske, and daughter Ashley Occhipinti and son-in-law Mike Theune; two grandchildren, Aurora and Dario; siblings Thomas Occhipinti, Den and Carol Occhipinti, Theresa and Steve Smith and Andrea Occhipinti-Tamboer; and sister-in-law, Kathy and brother-in-law Mark Cleveland. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Catherine Occhipinti, mother-in-law Marylouise Olovson; and family friend Vadine "Dee" Titus.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. The family will host family and friends to share memories and celebrate Carl's life from 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 19, at Wonderland Distilling Co., 1989 Lakeshore Dr. Ste. B, Muskegon, MI. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Disability Network of West Michigan. Please sign the family's online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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