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BORN
1931
DIED
2015
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John Torlai Obituary
John "Corky" Joseph Torlai, 84, was born May 4, 1931 and died November 28, 2015 with his large extended family by his side. Born in Renton, WA to John L. and Katherine L. Torlai, he attended St. Anthony's Catholic School, Renton High School and Seattle University. Corky served in the Coast Guard in the early 1950's. He and his siblings worked at the family's store, Peoples Butter and Egg, at Seattle's Pike Place Market. Corky's father and mother started the family business in 1947, soon renamed it General Egg And Cheese Co., and it later became Springbrook Farms, Inc. Corky eventually took over the business and his wife, Mary, and their six children all worked together to help the business grow. His sons, Kevin and Anthony "Tony", stepped in to help run the business and now the fourth generation is involved. Corky is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Gloria Starrett and his beloved son Tony. He is survived by his wife, Mary Frances Torlai (Cofoid), his sisters Martha (MacKenzie), Barbara (Hammontree), Judy (Barry), his brother Joseph Torlai, his children Jeannine Kuolt (Mark), Catherine Torlai (Warren Rheaume), Theresa Torlai, Colette Stickley (Ken), and Kevin Torlai (Natalie), and many grandchildren.
His nickname "Corky" was given as a young boy because of his boundless energy. He worked tirelessly to build the family business and raise a family. He was actively involved in his childrens' lives, coaching and helping with many grade school CYO basketball and baseball teams. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren play their various sports and take them fishing. He took a great deal of satisfaction in watching his children and grandchildren grow up together on the family farm and taught all of them about the importance of faith, family and hard work.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 18, 2015 at 1:30pm at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church, Renton. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Catholic Relief Services.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Torlai
Sponsored by The Family.
December 23, 2015
Sorry to hear of Corey's passing , we only have one Dad. God bless all , and I like to think Dan Verhey and cocky are sitting around in heaven watching football and base ball drinking beers and waiting for the rest of us to join them . love you all .Paul Verhey .
Barbara Horton
December 18, 2015
I attended the funeral mass for Corky today. It was very lovely and moving. I came to know the Torlai family through the purchase of our first home in neighboring Forest Trails. No one at or around the farm was very excited to have a big new development go in on the neighboring property to the East. We chose a lot at the entrance to the farm, (that they ultimately purchased from us). We lived there for 10 years. I knew Tony and Kevin best, because they were always going up and down the dirt road to the farm while my kids were little. Corky was a man of few words, but he was definitely a man of small, respectful deeds. When he mowed the dirt road, I asked him to mow around a native Service Berry bush. He did that for all the time I was there (10 years). When I popped in to the office last Fall to let Torlais know my daughter just bought a house in Forest Trails, they remembered me right away! Torlais are salt of the earth and I am so glad I had the privilege to be among their friends and neighbors at today's service. Sincerely, Barb Horton
December 18, 2015
We are saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved Corky. He was a leader in every sense of the word. We admired him for his devotion to his family and his boundless energy. The entire Torlai family is in our thoughts and prayers!
The Fiesers
Marita Arango-Arevalo
December 17, 2015
We are very sorry for this great loss to the Torlai family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. The Arango family
Jane Bertagni Evans
December 14, 2015
The Bertagni family both near and far share in your loss. Sending prayers and love full of wonderful memories. We wish we could be with you this week. John & El
Salina and Demetri
December 7, 2015
My heart is saddened to hear about the passing of Corky. I loved seeing him at all of the St. Anthony and baseball sporting events for my son and Jessie as well as all of his other grandchildren. He always had a smile on his face and strong arms to give the best hugs.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Torlai family. Love to all.
Candace and Stan Haralson
December 6, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss. And will keep you in my our prayers.
Cindy Clement
December 6, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was a friend of Tony's. Miss him. God bless!
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Greenwood Memorial Park Funeral Home350 Monroe Ave Ne, Renton, WA 98056
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