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ENRICO E. "RICK" TORCASO
1936 - 2018
ENRICO E. "RICK" TORCASO
1936 - 2018
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ENRICO TORCASO Obituary
Enrico E. "Rick" Torcaso, 81, passed away May 26, 2018 in Las Vegas, NV. Born to Angelo and Rosa Torcaso on November 27, 1936 in Arnold, PA, he developed a love of music (think jazz) as a teen and spent over 20 years playing, composing and arranging music, primarily in the Pgh. PA area. During that period, he also spent 4 years in the Airforce Dance Band, obtained a B.S. in Ed and Masters in Composition at Duquesne University, pursued a Doctorate in Composition at the University of Pittsburgh while accepting teaching positions from the elementary to the university level. After marrying fellow teacher, Sarah "Sally" Saunders, they decided to move to Las Vegas in 1978 where Rick could perform full time with some of the house bands on the Strip. Later, as the lights were fading on hotel house bands, he could always find a place to play live music somewhere in the Valley as he returned to teaching, retiring from Clark Co. School District in 2000. Rick was preceded in death by his mother and father Rosa and Angelo Torcaso; his brother Michael Torcaso and his sisters; Maria DeFazio, Emanuella Pellafone and Gioconda Cianflone. He is survived by his loving wife Sarah; his three daughters; Robyn Simon, Carla Land, and Gia Torcaso; his grandchildren; Michael Simon, Sean Simon, and Kahikilani Land as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Services will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19 at New Song Church, 1291 Cornet St, Henderson, NV 89052.
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Ralph Turek
September 1, 2018
I played a number of venues in a variety of bands with Rick during the time we both spent in Pittsburgh. I greatly admired his saxophone playing, his general musicianship, and his low-key approach to life. Rick's decision to pursue a Master's degree in Composition led me initially to consider doing the same (which subsequently led to my earning a doctorate in Composition, in effect determining the whole trajectory of my career and even of my life). Rick went on to Las Vegas and I to academia, and our paths never again crossed, a fact I regret. Since my retirement, as I've found my way back into the jazz scene, I've often thought of Rick. I don't know what prompted me to Google his name, but I was shocked and saddened to see and read his obituary. My condolences to his family.
Hugh Lovelady
June 6, 2018
I worked with Rick in Las Vegas in the Las Vegas Hilton House orchestra. I also knew him in Pittsburgh for a short time. He was a rare combination of a wonderful musician and a sweet, humble person. As a saxophone player his ability was second to none. I am not sure the musicians in Las Vegas got to know or appreciate the depth of his knowledge of music and how truly intellectual his thoughts and abilities about all kinds of music were. I have been an admirer of those abilities since 1971. Without a doubt, he was a true "heavyweight." I am truly sad to learn of his passing but feel grateful I knew him. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.
Airmen of Note (Airforce dance band)
Gia Torcaso
June 5, 2018
Sally & Rico 2012
Gia Torcaso
June 5, 2018
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Lani's adoption day
Gia Torcaso
June 5, 2018
Rico & Sally 1979
Gia Torcaso
June 5, 2018
Shelby
June 5, 2018
My condolences for your loss Sarah. The promise of our heavenly Father certainly eases the pain of losing a loved one. May it comfort you also. ~ John 11:24
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