Carl Occhipinti, the retired artistic director of Village Players, passed away Jan. 3. He was 61.
According to Legacy.com, he is survived by his beloved life partner, Gary Shum, of Chicago; his two sons, Jason ( Cheryl ) and Todd Occhipinti; and grandchildren Derek and Emmy of Eastlake, Ohio.
He was also the dear brother of Vincent, Jacqueline ( Randy ) Petersen, Peter ( Carol ), Joseph ( Laura ) and Salvatore; and uncle to 14 nieces and nephews. His parents, Carlo and Josephine Occhipinti preceded him in death.
In a statement, former Oak Park Festival Theatre Managing Director Galen Gockel said that Occhipinti "single-handedly kept Village Players afloat for years. ... It was his passion." He added, "At the final tribute to him to him upon his retirement, the theater was packed with admirers and those with whom he had worked. A perfect gentleman."
A service of remembrance will be held Sunday, Jan. 12, at the Sax-Tiedemann Funeral Home at 9568 W. Belmont Ave., Franklin Park, 1-5 p.m. For info, call 847-678-1950 or visit www.oakpark.com/News/Articles/1-7-2014/Yes-man/ .