Joseph and Thomas "TJ" Occhiogrosso

On Sunday, August 23, 2009 two remarkable young men were killed by a drunk driver. Joseph Occhiogrosso, 28 and his brother Thomas "TJ" Occhiogrosso, 27 were crossing the street when they were hit by someone driving under the influence. Joseph was thrown by the impact. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where they desperately tried to save him, but he was pronounced dead a short time later. TJ was impaled thru the windshield and pronounced at the scene. A photo from a newspaper article showed the vehicle with a huge hole in the windshield and blood everywhere. The driver received minor injuries. He refused a blood test, but later blood was taken with a court order. His BAC was .21, almost 3 times the legal limit.
Joseph Occhiogrosso was known as a devoted family man in the community. He took care of his 90 year old grandmother, Mary, who is suffering from Parkinson's disease. He worked as a plumber and he was loved by everyone that knew him. He was one of the friendliest and most outgoing people I have ever met.
TJ Occhiogrosso was a veteran of the US Navy and served in Iraq. After he was honorably discharged, he continued to serve the community as a volunteer firefighter. Just like Joe, he always kept us laughing. His beautiful daughter, Cecilia "C.C." is almost 3 years old. I don't know if she will ever know how proud TJ was to be her daddy.
Both men gave so much of themselves in their short lives. Their love, devotion, and generosity will never be forgotten. Knowing that they are in the arms of the Lord is of some comfort. But I think I speak for all that knew them when I say we are selfish and we want them back here with us. They can never and will never be replaced.