Anibal Ocasio

Anibal "Pop" Ocasio, 84, of Reading, passed away on September 4, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and support for his family and friends. He was the loving husband of Sylvia E. (Dorta) Ocasio, with whom he shared over 64 beautiful years.

He was born in Utuado, PR, to the late Gustavo Ocasio Abreu and Carmen Plaza. His family was one of the first Puerto Rican families to settle in Reading. A talented musician, Anibal enjoyed playing the congas, güiro, and guitar. As a young man, he was a member of the band Almas de Borinquen. He began his career at Birdsboro Steel and later retired from Morgan Corp. after many years as a welder.

Anibal was a devoted member of St. Peter the Apostle Church. As part of Hogar Crea, he served as a mentor, providing support and encouragement to those in need.

Above all, Anibal cherished his time with his beloved wife, Sylvia, and took great joy in doting on her. His kind heart, willing ear, and thoughtful advice will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have him in their lives.

Left to cherish Anibal's memory are his wife, Sylvia; their children, Jose Luis "Lou" Ortiz, husband of Yolanda, of Muhlenberg Township; Carmen Cleary, wife of William, of Muhlenberg Township; and Maria Ocasio, widow of Bryson Merritt, of Connecticut; grandchildren, Alyx, Zachary, Nevaeh, Austin, Samantha, Megan, and Isaiah; and great-grandchildren, Alaric, Madalyn, Emily, Steven, Sophia, Colin, and Owen. He is also survived by his siblings, Adelaide Gonzalez, Irma Muniz, Dennis Ocasio, and Thamara Velez, as well as many nieces, nephews, and their families, who all looked to him for fatherly guidance. Zazu, his beloved grand-dog, will miss him greatly.

Anibal was predeceased by his father and mother; his stepmother, Ermalinda Ocasio; and his brothers, Luis Antonio Ocasio and Joseph Ocasio.

Contributions in Anibal's memory may be offered to St. Peter the Apostle Church, memo for the Accessibility Fund, at the address below.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 12:00 noon at St. Peter the Apostle Church, 22 South Fifth Street, Reading, PA 19602, with interment to follow at Gethsemane Cemetery's Chapel of St. George. Friends and family are welcome to gather for viewing and visitation on Friday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611. Guests are encouraged to warm causual attire and bright colors.

Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.