Canaan, NH – Theodore Lawrence Occhi, 91, passed away in the comfort of his home on Saturday December 20, 2025. He was born to the late Ementore & Theresa (Grasso) Occhi on new years Eve 1933. He grew up in Berlin, CT and graduated from E.C. Goodwin Technical High School, where he lettered In baseball. He then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. where he proudly served during the Korean Conflict. Following his discharge, he met and married the love of his life, Eleanor Simons, whom he shared 64 happy years with. He had a long career working for Southern New England Telephone, serving 40 plus years before retiring. Ted also worked alongside his father and brother in the family business, Occhi Equipment on Farmington Ave in Berlin, CT, where along with selling and repairing lawn and snow equipment, they kept many kids’ minibikes and go karts going.
He was an avid snowmobiler in the days of leaf springs and bogie wheels. Along with his brother as founding members of the 15th CT Volunteer Infantry he spent over 60 years as an active competition shooter in the NSSA traveling up and down the East Coast, using Civil War Era firearms and equipment. Ted and Eleanor built their retirement home in Canaan in the early 70’s and embraced the Upper Valley. Ted was a die-hard fan of the NY Yankees and New York Giants and shared his Italian heritage with anyone who would listen, yeah he could talk. While in CT, he was a founding member of V.F.W. post #10732 and spent many hours helping build the post home. Also a member of The Lebanon Elks Lodge #2099 , VFW post # 9552, West Lebanon, most recently Senior Vice Commander, The Odd Fellows and The American Legion Post 22, Lebanon, most recently as 2nd Vice Commander, he served on the Honor Guard in which he took great pride offering military honors for veterans.
Ted was predeceased by his wife Eleanor and his older brother Edison. He is survived by his daughter Laura Deschenes and her husband Tom, his sister Amelia Occhi, Eleanor’s sister Shirley Stingle, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many good friends who will miss him.
Family and friends are invited to Ted’s calling hours at the Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon on Sunday December 28th from 1:30 to 4 PM. Ted will have a graveside service on Monday the 29th at 12 noon at the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH.
Our family would like to thank Canaan PD, Canaan Ambulance, all of the visiting nurses, and care givers who have cared for Ted over the past year.
An online guest book is available to leave a message of condolence by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com
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