Charles T. Torpey

Charles Thomas Torpey was born in Norwalk, Connecticut on Friday, July 27, 1928. Five years later, his sister Winifred was born.

When Charles successfully graduated from high school, he joined the United States Air Force. In 1949 he met the apple of his eye – Frances Abbott through his roommate. After a short courtship, seven months later, Charles and Frances were married. They had a small wedding ceremony at the Catholic Rectory. Frances at that time was not Catholic; however, this did not stop her from marrying the one and only Charles that she fell in love with. In this union of blissful togetherness, Charles and Frances had seven (7) children. Cynthia was born June 8, 1951, Thomas was born July 14, 1956, Joseph was born October 24, 1958, Theresa was born November 21, 1960, Catherine was born October 17, 1962, Michael was born November 19, 1964, and Stephen was born March 27, 1969. We will never forget our oldest son, Thomas Michael Torpey who passed away on Easter Sunday 2022. He leaves behind his beautiful wife, Julie. He will forever be in our hearts. The fingerprint that has been pressed into all our lives will never be duplicated ever again. There will never be another Thomas Michael Torpey.

Charles spent over 24 years in the United States Air Force, and we moved to different Air Force Bases quite a bit however, it was nice meeting people and becoming friends in those places. The truth is, we really did not mind moving to different Air Bases too much. Charles did a tour in Japan (Johnson Air Force Base) and Vietnam. In addition, Charles and his family were stationed at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York for six years.

After Charles Retired, he went to work for the United States Post Office. Charles believed in taking care of his family. It was not easy raising seven (7) children; however, Charles and Frances worked together and made everything work out just fine.

Charles retired June 1, 1971 in Klamath Falls Oregon at Kingsley Field and he enjoyed his life to the fullest with his wonderful family until he transitioned from life on Friday, May 20, 2022. He bravely fought the battle with COVID Pneumonia and succumbed to the illness and passed due to Acute Respiratory Failure. Charles left us to live forever with the Lord, so he is not lost. When you lose something, you do not know where it is. Today, we know where Charles is and that is in the presence of our Savior.

Charles's parents, his sister and his oldest son precede Charles in death.

Charles really had a wonderful life. He really liked being in the United States Air Force and it was exciting being stationed at many different bases. Charles was with the 456 FIS where he had a lot of good friends and special memories. When Frances met Charles through his roommate, he was stationed at Bolling Field in 1949. This was an exciting and special moment in time.

Charles leaves to cherish his precious memories, His Loving and Devoted Wife of 72 years, Frances Torpey; Cynthia Lial and her husband Joe; his son Joseph Torpey; his daughter, Theresa Valdez and husband Ernie; his daughter Catherine Eldridge and husband John; his son Michael and wife Janice; Stephen Torpey and wife Dana Shin; Thomas's beloved widow Julie; ten grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

All of us will miss Charles but we know that he will live in our hearts forever!