TSgt. Michael P. Bocchicchia, Sr., USAF Retired, 82, of Niagara Falls, NY took his last flight Saturday May 19, 2012 at Buffalo General Hospital. Born in Altoona, PA he was the son of the late Leonardo and Jenny (Lostaglia) Bocchicchia.

He entered the United States Air Force on August 25, 1947, the start of 20 year career. Following his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas he was assigned to the Aircraft Crash Rescue Career Field and completed two tours of duty in Korea from 1952 until 1953 and again in 1962 until 1963. Michael's duty assignment also included McChord Air Base in Tacoma, WA, Harmon Air Base in Gaum, Kirtland Air Base in New Mexico, and was also stationed in France for a number of years. He also served at Hanscom Air Base in Massachusetts where he was assigned to the H-43B crash rescue helicopter. Michael also served in Niagara Falls and Taiwan. His final assignment was at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, CA where he retired from the Air Force after 20 years of honorable service and received numerous honors and awards for his dedicated service. He continued his firefighting duties as a civilian at the Niagara Falls Air Force Base and Bell Aircraft. He also worked as a bus driver and laborer for Niagara Wheatfield School District. Always willing to serve his community and Air Force, his volunteer duties totaled over 21 years and 6000 hours.

He was a member of the VFW Post 313 in Youngstown, NY, American Legion Post 1465 in Niagara Falls, NY, Air Force Sergeants Association, and life member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 120 in Kenmore, NY. In his leisure he enjoyed fishing, family picnics, attending bingo, and working on model airplanes. He was also known for his good penmanship. Most importantly he enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. A great patriot, he will be remembered for proudly displaying the US flag, veterans logos, and memorabilia on his vehicle.

Mr. Bocchicchia married Maureen (Murphy) Bocchicchia in 1955; she predeceased him in November 1970. He later married Ruth Mae Bocchicchia in 1978, and she predeceased him in May 1998. He is survived by five daughters Doreen Guiliani of Niagara Falls, NY, Sharon Bohannon (Lew) of Las Vegas, NV, Darlene Bocchicchia (Fred), Lori Bocchicchia, Diana (Mike) Cafarella, all of Niagara Falls, NY; two sons Michael P. (Kim) Bocchicchia of Sumter, SC and Bob (Terri) Holloway of Niagara Falls, NY. He was predeceased by a son, Bruce Holloway. He was "Pop Pop" to 47 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was predeceased by a grandson, Norman Conklin, III. Michael is also survived by two sisters, Lorraine Keith and Constance Sirous, both of Altoona, PA, his companion Fran Bailey, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY RD. NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated Wednesday May 23rd at 10:00 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Parish at St. Leo Church, 2748 Military Rd. Niagara Falls, NY. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Interment with Military Honors in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY.