Joseph S. Torchia

Mr. Joseph S. Torchia, age 91, of Utica, passed away on Monday, August 6, 2007 at the Lutheran Home. Born in the Province of Calabria, Italy, on October 15, 1915, Joseph was the son of the late Pasquale and Rosaria (Cannistra) Torchia. He and his family relocated to the United States when he was an infant. He was raised and educated locally, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. On February 15, 1941 he married the former Ann C. DeMarco-Mannella who passed away on December 31, 2004. The couple shared a union in which their love and devotion to one another provided them with a life of great happiness and contentment. Joseph worked as a painter in his younger years, employed by F. G. West Co., and various other contractors throughout the area for over 20 years. An exemplary man, he loved his family, and the focus of his existence was their well-being. He provided them with a beautiful role model who led by example. Admired for his persistence and patience, Joseph did things his way and was a success at it. He was a member of the American Legion Post #229, and a lifetime member of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades. During his spare time, he enjoyed bowling. He was a communicant of St. Agnes Church. Joseph is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Roseann E. and William R. Suhr of New York Mills, and Joanne and Joseph Cardarelli of Mifflinburg, PA; his grandchildren and their families, Virginia Margaret Suhr of Lakewood, OH, Anne Marie and Donald Davidson of Plainville, CT, Roseann T. and Steven LaDue of Lakewood, OH, Joseph Carlo Cardarelli of Lake Placid, NY, and Jeffery Cardarelli of Birmingham, AL; and his great-grandchildren whom he adored, Julia, Owen, and Brody Davidson; and Grace, and Elijah LaDue. Also surviving are his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Rose and Theodore Mosakowski of CA, Grace and Leo Mitsler of CA, Connie Mannella of Clinton, and Mario Mannella of New Hartford. He also leaves a dear friend whom he considered as a daughter, Mary Ellen DeCarlo. He was predeceased by his brothers, Peter Torchia, Tony Torchia, and Guy Torchia; his sister, Ann Milliellie; his brother-in-law, Peter J. Mannella; and his sister-in-law, Tina Mannella. The family extends gratitude to the entire staff of the Lutheran Home for their friendship and care rendered to Joseph. In keeping with Joseph’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Joseph's Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Friday afternoon at 2:00 at St. Agnes Church. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Mr. Torchia’s honor to the Adult Lutheran Home; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave.

Joseph S. Torchia

October 15, 1915 - August 6, 2007