Roland A. Occhietti, 82, of Iron Mountain, was called to be with the Lord on Friday, August 26, 2011, at ManorCare Health Services in Kingsford.
He was born on May 9, 1929, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Aurelio and Pia (Jafolla) Occhietti. Roland graduated from Iron Mountain High School, Class of 1948. He went on to attend Elgin Watch College in Elgin, Ill. He returned to Iron Mountain and joined his brother Ben as a partner in Occhietti Jewelry.
Roland was called to serve his country in 1951, and served in the 5th RCT U.S. Army during the Korean War. He distinguished himself by heroic action during an attack on strongly entrenched enemy positions voluntarily moving into position to aid the wounded overcoming steep and rugged terrain. Roland illustrated selfless devotion to his comrades for which he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with a “V” for valor.
In 1953, he returned to join his brother in the jewelry business. On February 14, 1953, Roland married Dorothy Boerner at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Niagara, Wis.
Roland served on the Iron Mountain School Board, Community School Board, Dickinson-Iron Mental Health Board, and Dickinson County Memorial Hospital Board. He was a life member of the Iron Mountain Elks Lodge 700 for 54 years and served as exalted ruler, Pine Grove Country Club, National Rifle Association and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
He was an avid hunter and enjoyed his hunting trips to Wyoming with his brother and nephews. Roland loved cooking Italian food for those who were part of the family camp.
Roland was a devoted husband, brother, and uncle. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family and friends. Like his uncle Joey Jafolla he could put a smile on anyone’s face.
Roland is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Dorothy; nephews, Dr. Anthony (Cindy) Occhietti, Dr.Michael (Dr. Maria) Occhietti of Iron Mountain, Douglas (Diana) Anderson and Bill (Lori) Anderson of Marquette, Mich., Daniel (Kristen) Occhietti, Gladstone,Mich.; nieces, Maria (Jeff) De Merse of Iron Mountain, Valerie (Cory) Masuga of Cedarville, Mich., sisters- in-law, Betty Occhietti, Iron Mountain, Judy Occhietti, Gladstone; one uncle, Guido (Cecelia) Jafolla, Iron Mountain; and two very special people his little gal, Francine Stanek, Maryhill Manor, Niagara, and Leo (Nancy) Schuls, who forever assisted in all of Roland’s endeavors.
Along with his parents, Roland was preceded in death by his brothers, Dr. Anthony Occhietti and Benjamin Occhietti; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Martin and Ann Boerner; and his brother-in- law, James Boerner.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 31, 2011, from 4:00 p.m.to 7:00pm at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain. The American Legion Uren Cooper Post No. 50 of Iron Mountain will accord military honors Wednesday 7:00 pm at the funeral home. The Elks Lodge 700 will offer a memorial service Wednesday immediately following the veterans service at the funeral home. Prayers will be recited Thursday 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Msgr. James Kaczmarek will officiate. Entombment will be in Cemetery Park, Iron Mountain.
Pallbearers will be Jim Farrington, Robert Varda, Leon Mattord, Colin Jacobetti, Jim Wilcheck, Mike Youngberg. Honorary pallbearers will be John Caruso, Gene Swenski, Leo Schuls, and Vance Uhazie.
You may light a candle in remembrance of Roland or leave a condolence for his family at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.
The Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, is serving the family.