John Harce Occhiline, 68, Avondale, AZ John was born in Glendale, AZ on May 11th, 1948 and it is with great sorrow to announce his passing on December 6, 2016. Nash Street, in Surprise, Arizona is where the Occhiline family called home. The oldest boy in the home was named John and he would grow to have an extraordinary life. He would visit places like Germany, Yellowstone Park, South Korea, Mount Rushmore, Hawaii, Niagara Falls and The Football and Rock & Roll Hall of Fames. He’d have a great career to provide for his family, create many works of art and become a war hero. And he’d happily share it all, with his wife and kids, family and friends. In the spring of 1972, John met the love of his life, Vickie. It didn’t take long to realize the love they shared was real. At midnight on Christmas Day, he neatly arranged a chair by candlelight, dropped down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage. They were married on July, 14th, 1973. John and Vickie welcomed their first son shortly after. And later with Jonathan, came another daughter, Carle, and granddaughters Gianni and Olive. Two years after they welcomed Preston, who later brought another daughter, Norma, his grandson Donovan and granddaughter, Noelani. In another five years they welcomed a baby girl, Jennia, who later gave him a granddaughter, Victoria. John may have gone by other names, such as Dad, Dear, Johnny and Big O, but his favorite was grandpa. His grandchildren could do no wrong and the same reversed. John was very proud of all their successes and encouraged them to try their hardest. He was also the absolute best at turning their frowns upside down. He is survived by and eternally missed by all. John is also survived by his brothers, Donnie (wife Lorraine), Robert (wife Vicky), Shannon, Terry (Flower) and Tony (Tammy). And was welcomed into Heaven by his two brothers, Ron and David, and parents Louis and Sylvia Occhiline. He was the first of eight boys and was a great big brother. He was forgiving, understanding and a good listener and inspired his brothers’ creativity through artwork and music. John began his working years young, chopping and picking cotton for his Uncle Gaines at 13. When he wasn’t working, he liked sports. He played with Williams’ Rebels little league and was a lineman on the high school football team. John not only wore the #70 jersey, he also designed the very first Dysart demon logo for the new school. He walked with the class of 1966; the very first graduating class of Dysart High. John proudly served his country by driving an M48 Patton tank around Vietnam in 1968-69. He was a fearless soldier, not afraid to put his life on the line for his brothers. He earned a purple heart for his valor and came home with an honorable discharge. His commitment to his brothers did not end there. He encouraged and assisted his fellow veterans to collect their rightful benefits and was a proud member of the Desert Warriors veterans club. John enjoyed showcasing military vehicles in parades and shows. He also spoke to students at his alma mater, Dysart H.S. and has an interview published in the book, Since You Asked, which is in the national archives. John found his ideal career in the United States Postal Service. He was a proud letter carrier at the Maryvale station in Phoenix, AZ. Later on he was appointed a union steward position and eventually elected to the trustee position. On February 2, 2012, after 31 years, John finally delivered his last piece of mail and retired from the USPS. John was known to be a man of many hobbies. He loved a challenge and had such great talent in so many areas. Not only did he played the tenor sax, it was said at one point he was the youngest certified accordion teacher in Arizona. He was also a master storyteller, conversationalist, good dancer, fisherman, painter, woodworker, crafter, piñata maker and comedian. John was also a composer, he loved to write songs. His most famous is the “Honey Do Song.” John was a great man and in one way or another, inspired pretty much everyone he met to want to be a better person. He touched the lives of many, many people and will be greatly missed for a long time to come. His last gift was to leave us all with such great memories. Viewing services will be held on Wednesday, Dec 14th, from 11a-1p at Regency Mortuary, 9850 W Thunderbird Blvd, Sun City. Following at 2pm, he will be laid to rest at National Memorial Cemetery, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix.