WILMINGTON — Joseph Paul Bocaccio, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 17, 2023 at the age of 85. He was born in Hartford Connecticut in 1939 where he resided with his parents, five brothers and five sisters. He adored his parents and admired all the sacrifices they made. They married in Sicily and traveling to America before starting their family. They both had very strong parenting and work ethics. He often talked about his childhood, and how it was filled with love, joy, and adventure.
In high school, Joe played football and remained close with his childhood friends. Following graduation, he joined the US Army. After his service, he married the love of his life Joyce Leary. From there he moved to Westfield, Massachusetts where he built a house and raised his family.
He was passionate about his career as a restaurateur, chef, and caterer. Having been so successful, he was awarded a new vehicle for his outstanding culinary achievements. Each of his daughters were able to be a part of his culinary passion. Joe even went to college at the age of 39 and received an Associate In Science degree in Food Service Management.
After raising all his children, Joe happily retired in Massachusetts before ending up in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Some of his many interests were cooking for family, friends, and church gatherings. He especially loved decorating, painting and floral arrangements. Volunteering and worshiping Jesus is what he lived for.
Joe is survived by his daughters:
- MARY: granddaughters Tiffany and Meagan and great-grandson Roscoe.
- CHRISTINE: grandchildren Tomas, Joey, Nick and wife Danielle and Jessica and great-grandchildren Tomas, Aiden, Nathan, Lilliana, and Everleigh.
- CATHIA: granddaughter Brytne and great-grandson Elijah Bennett.
- BETH: grandchildren Angi and Zack.
- BRIDGET: grandchildren Ryan, Jesse and Cassidy and great-grandchildren Lia, Tobias, Everly, and Langston.
- MELISSA and Joe: granddaughters Carly and Amanda.
He’s also survived by his brothers, Michael and Richard, and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his wife Joyce, daughter Bridget, parents Santo and Marianna, son-in-law Dan, and brothers and sisters.
Joe was a man of integrity, he never judged people but accepted all. This demonstrated his servant heart. He was a simple man and was blessed by the Lord. He opened up his life to be a father to the fatherless always having an open door for anyone, lovingly known as, “Papa Joe.” He made friends everywhere he went but little did they know, it was Christ in him that they were drawn to. Ephesians 4:32 “and be kind and compassionate to one another, forgive one another, just as God forgave you.”
Joe was a beloved husband, son and brother. He was a dedicated father, who treasured his children and embraced every moment with them. He especially loved being “PAPA” to all his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his fierce strength and loyalty to his family, friends, and faith.
Joe’s legacy will continue on through his daughters, who will pass on the love, care and acceptance of all through their children and generations to come.
He will be missed. But we will REJOICE in knowing that he is NOW in heaven with JESUS!!!
Rest in peace dad-Joe, knowing that your legacy and faith live on.
Romans 15:13
“May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”
Service will be led by Paster Willie Urena at Global River Church, 4702 S. College Rd. in Wilmington on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 1 p.m. Service will also be streaming LIVE that day on Facebook and the Global River Church website.
