Joseph E. Pocchiari, 98, of Butler, fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, July 26, 2019, at the Sunnyview Nursing Home, where he was a resident since October 2016.
Born November 13, 1920 in Little Italy, New York City, he was the oldest child of Luigi and Anna Fornuto Pocchiari.
Joseph is survived by his loving children Anna, Louie, John and Elizabeth, all of Butler; his brother Daniel in Georgia and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Maria Fantozzi Pocchiari, whom he married November 20, 1958 at the cathedral in Melfi Italy. Joe was also preceded by his 3 younger sisters Gracie, Lucy and Gloria.
Joseph was a 20 year Military Veteran, having served in World War II with the United States Army Air corp in Europe. After his tour of duty, he moved with his family to Butler in 1965. He was employed at Pullman Standard as a welder until his retirement in 1982. He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church. He enjoyed traveling with his family, visiting Italian friends, eating good food and Chianti wine.
His family would like to thank the staff at Sunnyview for their loving care.
Friends will be received at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 East Cunningham Street, Butler, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 432 Center Avenue, Butler. The Rev. William Wuenschel, will officiate. Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum at St. Michael’s Cemetery.
Military Honors will be by the American Legion/V.F.W. Ceremonial Squad.