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Anthony Torlai Obituary
John Torlai
Anthony ("Tony") John Torlai, 51, of Renton, WA, passed on to his next great adventure on Monday, November 26, 2012, at home surrounded by his children and extended family after a 3- year battle with brain cancer. Tony was born on August 1, 1961, in Renton, WA. He is survived by his parents, John and Mary Torlai, his brother Kevin, and his sisters, Jeannine Kuolt, Catherine, Theresa, Colette Stickley, by the three great loves of his life - his children Jessica, Mia and Nicholas, and by numerous nieces and nephews. Tony attended St. Anthony School in Renton and graduated from Kentridge Sr. High School in 1980, where he played basketball and baseball. Tony played baseball at Mira Costa College, Oceanside, CA, and at the University of Washington and graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication. After college, Tony moved back to the family farm in Renton to be part of the third generation to run the family business, Springbrook Farms. Tony enjoyed scuba, warm beaches and coaching his childrens' numerous baseball and basketball teams. Most of all Tony took joy in his children and in watching them grow up. Tony had a kind heart and a great faith that helped him face his battle with brain cancer with courage and grace.
A vigil will be held this Friday, November 30th, at 7:00pm. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, Dec 1st at noon, both at St Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church, Renton WA.
The family wishes to thank the kind caregivers of Right At Home and Providence Hospice and the doctors and staff at Swedish Ivy Neuroscience Institute. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA to help in the fight against brain tumors or to the mission programs at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church in Renton, WA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Torlai
Jacqueline Evoy
December 31, 2012
I've known my dad's best friend Tony since I was very young. I'm gonna miss him very much. He was a really nice man. He loved having a chat with me, my dad, Asmaa & Mariah. I loved seeing him & talking to him at Grandma Connie's funeral last summer. I met his 3 children when they were small. Rest in peace. Love you & miss you Tony!!!!
Lorna Davis
December 29, 2012
“The trees, the flowers, the plants grow in silence. The stars, the sun, the moon move in silence. Silence gives us a new perspective.”
? Mother Teresa
Lorie ~ Lorna ~ Lorn Davis
December 29, 2012
Love you Tony Tone John Torlai ... Thank you from all sides of my heart as well as all around ~ VIP ANGEL ... "What you think about & thank about you bring about" ~ smiles every moment for you!!! As I always have ~ as I am now ~ and will always ... Smile with you in my heart & soul. Thank YOU!!!
Michele Barrett
December 15, 2012
Although I didn't know Tony, I feel a sense of loss and my heart is heavy to hear of his passing. My daughter, Kylie and Tony's daughter, Mia are the best of friends. After reading so many comments in this guest book, I wish I'd had the opportunity to have met Tony. He was obviously a wonderful father, son, uncle, coach and friend to so many. My thoughts and prayers are with the Torlai family, today and always. May God help you find peace during this very difficult time.
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Linda Moberg
December 11, 2012
God bless you Tony! My thoughts and prayers go out to your children and family.
December 4, 2012
Holy Redeemer, You had a plan for Tony from birth. We know this. It is so heavy on our hearts with his passing, but, find refuge in knowing he is with You and looking out for the enormous amounts of people who loved him and called him "the best man and father" they have ever known. My prayer is that his children find peace and strength to carry on without him. Based on the level of pain, which was obvious, I believe he is offering forgiveness from Heaven for all of us asking the question "why"? This is a painful hurdle for everyone who loved him. But, we can promise him that we will watch out for your loved ones. He is my second best friend to die of cancer and my third loved one (my own father) to die in two years. I personally have a lot of "why's" but my faith in God tells me that there are very good reasons and it is not up to us to question our Lord.
Lexi Burnham
December 4, 2012
Tony was like a father to me. Mia and I grew up together. Its hard to believe that he is actually gone but i know he's in a better place. Tony will never be forgotten. Torlai family, you are all in my prayers. Rest in Peace.
Rick, Teresa, Julie, and Danny Badgley
December 3, 2012
We are very sad to hear about Tony's passing. He was a great friend and coach and even more an outstanding father to Jessica, Mia, and Nick. Tony will be missed but we were very fortunate to have known him. Danny loved playing baseball for Tony. He felt that Tony was his best coach. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Tony's family.
Kathy (Thueringer) Ziegler
December 3, 2012
God has called a wonderful person to join him in his kingdom. Tony was loved by so many, I was one of the 600 people who attended his funeral who heard and enjoyed the many stories of love and respect for him from those who spoke. I was one of many many more who didn't or couldn't stand up and say anything out loud but have great memories of Tony and will miss him.
My prayers continue for his kids and entire Torlai family.
Denise Dalisky /Drllevich/Anderson
December 2, 2012
Tony was a classmate at St. Anthony's in Renton, grade school, jr. high and High
school at Kentridge and our families are friends through St. Stephens parish. My deep sympathy and fervent prayers go out to his children and family.
December 1, 2012
The Torlai family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of grief. Tony was a passionate, caring man, who loved his children and family deeply. Rest in Peace my friend.
Vicky & Sayana Chappell
John Heldt
December 1, 2012
Tony was a classmate and teammate in junior high. I will always remember him as a young man with a great sense of humor and one who treated others with kindness and respect. My condolences to his family.
December 1, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jill Langis
December 1, 2012
Dear Torlai family,
Although I never knew Tony more than in passing, I feel as if I missed out greatly. My son is friends with Mia, and our heart break for the the whole family. What a great Dad, friend,and man of faith he was.
Much blessings,
The Langis family
Chad, Jill, Devon & Kendall
Merrill Family -- Nancy, Mike and Kids
December 1, 2012
Terrible loss for a great family. Leaving that family behind -- even temporarily -- had to be the hardest element for Tony, but we sure hope he could take some comfort in the knowledge that this same family would be the best possible group to take care of his fine children. Rest in peace Tony, knowing the Torlai dedication to loving family will bring your legacies to bright futures, while they treasure your memory.
Michael D. Jones
December 1, 2012
It is a very special person that leaves such an engraved image of himself to so many which is a testimony to his character and raising.... Good Job Mr. and Mrs Torlai yet to his own family i cannot help but pray that the pain will go away
May god bless all the thing he has started and now must be finished by another
Michael Jones
December 1, 2012
I have not seen Tony since 1979 although he was a year behind me he stuck out in the crowd and was one to watch in high school warm heart and a dedication to whatever he was doing at the time. He Will be missed by all three of us Jones Boys Craig Class of 77 Mike and Steve the Jones Twins class of 79 Our prayers go out to the entire family With all of our love and condolences
Joe Salle
December 1, 2012
Corky, Mary ,Kevin,&family you have lost a great son & brother, our prayers are with you always, remember god in heaven just got a heck of a point guard for the ultimate team, 2 point tony tear em up as Bernie would say
Marino, Stephanie, Noah & Cassidy Correia
November 30, 2012
Words cannot express how sad we were to learn of Tony's passing. We appreciated getting to know Tony and the rest of the Torlai family when he coached our son at CVAC. Tony was a no-nonsense, tough-love kind of coach who earned the respect of the kids playing on his team. Noah thought the world of Tony and worked harder than he had for other coaches in order to earn Tony's praise. We were pulling for Tony during his illness. It was surely his love for Jessie, Mia and Nick and the rest of his family that kept him fighting so hard. Although his fight is over, his love continues to be with Jessie, Mia & Nick, and our prayers are with them too. Rest in peace Tony.
Jane Bertagni Evans
November 30, 2012
Tony will always be remembered as a wonderful person with great energy and that special Torlai Twinkle in his eye. He had a zest for life and sense of adventure from his youngest years. He could ride a Big Wheel and hit a baseball like no other. The Torlai family means so much to so many and his loss is shared. We are all fortunate to have had Tony on our team. A candle is lit in my house for him and his family this day.
November 30, 2012
We were so sad to hear of Tony's passing. What an incredible Father. Friend. Coach. May all the special memories you shared with your children help to give them the strength to continue on at this difficult time. You will be greatly missed and it was a true blessing to have known you, even if it was for such a short time.
Todd, Carrie, Nathan and Tyler Lantz
The Warner Family
November 30, 2012
To the Torlai Family,
We were deeply saddened to hear about Tony's death. Our heart-felt condolences go out to all of you at this time. We all know the pain of losing someone we love, but we also rejoice because we know that Tony is with our Lord. Our prayers are with you. May you feel God's deep embrace as you celebrate his life. With love.
November 30, 2012
I knew Tony years ago, and had only been in touch a small handful of times over the years, usually just by chance running into him here or there. But all those years ago, he shared a kindness and respect with me that has kept me thinking fondly of him all this time. My heart and prayers go out to his children and his family.
Barry Boatman, RN
November 30, 2012
I met Tony at Swedish when he was first diagnosed and kept in touch with him at the clinic. He was a joy to be around and a wonderfully kind person. He will be missed. My prayers are with his family.
Treva Laune
November 30, 2012
I met Tony through business and was never able to meet him in person. Always a person I loved to talk too. Condolences to the Family, Tony was always very proud of his kids and family. I will miss his voice.
Allison Omey
November 30, 2012
Such a sweetie! One of those guys all the girls wanted to talk to in High School. Rest in peace kiddo...you will be missed.
Didi Cowan
November 30, 2012
Very Sorry for your loss. Tony was a great man and father. May God continue to bless Jessica, Mia, Nicholas and the entire Torlai family.
Claudia Curd
November 30, 2012
To Tony's Children and Family,
I had the pleasure of knowing Tony through my nephew, Darwin Anderson. Tony is a bright star that will continue to shine. An exemplary young man whom I admired. My heartfelt condolences to Tony's children and to all the family.
God Bless you all.
November 30, 2012
Very sorry to hear of Tony's passing, such a nice person-God Bless you and condolences to a very nice family the Torlai's-Bernie, Arnie, Jordan, and Pat
alice
November 30, 2012
Sincere condolences to the family and may you experience God's support during this time of sorrow. Psalm 147:3
November 29, 2012
To our great and loyal friend, Tony Torlai, a man who's love for his children was never compromised. His faith in God and commitment to his children, parents and family were such to admire and we should follow in his path. No more pain Tony. We are certain you were surrounded by love when you met Jesus.
Tetesa Tracy
November 29, 2012
TONY ''BLUE EYES ''TORLAI was my name for him. He was very passionate and proud of his children and I know its going to be hard for his kids and the will miss his hugs and laughter and his piercing blue eyes that twinkled with LOVE FOR THEM!! HE is looking after them from above .....he is still an awesome father!! He is their Gaurdien Angel. LOVE YOU TONY BLUE EYES gone way to soon!!!
Sandie Corrigan
November 29, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
November 29, 2012
To the end Tony fought with dignity and grace, a true gentleman and amazing role model for his children. His love will live on in Jessie, Mia and Nick. May God bless the entire Torlai family during these very difficult days.
Otto, Susie, Victor and Ramsay Bauer
YVETTE ROBERTSON
November 29, 2012
Im so sorry to hear the news of Tony's passing. What a great man he is ! The memories of working at the farm with Tony and Kevin, Corky I will treasure . Our hearts go out to you all GOD BLESS with LOVE Yvette Russ JR Brandon Payton Libby Russ SR Paige Robertson......
November 29, 2012
John Verhey, our nephew, told me a bit about Tony this morning as we sat down for periodic coffee and conversation.
My wife Darlene and I would like to add our condolences over your loss of this fine young man. Joseph and Darlene Verhey
Tim "Riff" Riefflin
November 29, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Torlai family on the passing of Tony. He was a great ballplayer; a great friend; a great person; and most importantly, a great father to his kids. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Lisa, Bob, Jacob Clements
November 29, 2012
To all of the Torlai family, we are so very sorry for your loss. We had the joy of knowing Tony through baseball in college, then running into him when our son started at St Anthony's. We know he will be missed by many. God Bless you all, Lisa, Bob and Jacob Clements
Dave Norman
November 29, 2012
Sometimes we look up to people without even knowing it, at least until they're gone. Thanks for the example you set in the short time you were here.
Lynn
November 29, 2012
I just wanted to send my deepest condolences to Tony's family and children.
Martha (Torlai) MacKenzie
November 29, 2012
So many thoughts are running through my mind. It is difficult to express the sadness our family feels for the loss of our nephew and cousin. We will find comfort in the many great memories we have of him. His love and devotion to Jessica, Mia, and Nick was inspirational. Tony will always be in our hearts.
A friend forever!
Eric Bendfelt
November 29, 2012
Tony you are one of a kind. A honest man with integrity. A great role model, father, son, brother and true friend. You will be missed by many. You have added more to my life than words can say. I love you and will miss you. Till we meet again...
November 29, 2012
A man with true integrity that loved his kids more than life itself . A true friend, role model, father, son & brother. My life is richer by knowing you all these years. You will be missed by many. Till we meet again. Love you man...
Dean Langer
November 29, 2012
Tony was a true gentleman and will be missed by many, I admire him for his devoted love to his kids Jessica, Mia and Nicholas. It was my pleasure knowing him since Jr High.
Marita Arango-Arevalo
November 29, 2012
I have so many memories of Tony. He was like a big brother to me growing up. Tony was the kindest person and cared about everyone. You loved him instantly and even though I didn't see him much I thought of him often and the memories of school going to his games when my Dad coached and working with him and Kevin at the farm. I know you will be greatly missed but God has gained a beautiful Angel. My prayers and love to his family. God Bless
Linda
November 29, 2012
My condolences to the family. May "the God of all comfort"... be with you during your time of sorrow. 2Cor. 1:3
Evoy Family
November 29, 2012
A lifelong friend and confidant, I admired him from the 1st day I met him. Our hearts go out to the Torlai family.
Joseph and Julie Fiso
November 29, 2012
We were so saddened to hear of Tony's passing. Thinking nonstop of Jessie, Mia and Nick and the rest of the family. Remembering fun times with Tony during basketball games and tournaments, especially Yakima a few years ago. Praying for a peace that passes all understanding. Love, The Fiso Family
Kelly Uhlenkott Gill
November 29, 2012
I am so sad to hear about Tony's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I remember Tony from my years as a child at St. Stephens. Later, I worked with him as Springbrook became a vendor at the bakery I work at. He was a wonderful man and did a great job for the family business, as well.
The Bassett Family Phil, Chelley, Amy and Katie
November 28, 2012
You all are in our hearts. Tony was an amazing man and wonderful person. Great big hugs to Jess, Mia and Nick.
St.Anthony Class of 2014
November 28, 2012
NIck is my Friend and I know it has been tough because his dad was an amazing person
Jon Holland
November 28, 2012
My condolences to the Torlai family. A good man and greatly admired.
November 28, 2012
Dear Torlai family, we are so sorry to hear of Tony's passing. You have all been in our prayers. Andrea Pausheck VanderJagt, Gerard, Dominic and Olivia
Stephen van Ingen
November 28, 2012
Tony was a genuinely kind hearted and spiritual man. His love of God and his children was very evident. It was our pleasure knowing him. He will truly be missed.
van Ingen Family
Salina Hill
November 28, 2012
It is with a heavy heart that I must say see you later Tony. You are a wonderful, dedicated father, friend and coach. You gave my son the tough love he needed when he played for at CVAC. Without you he wouldn't be the player he is today. My thoughts and prayers are with Jessie, Mia, Nick, Mary, Corky, Kevin and the rest of the family. Thanks for the long talks, Tony! I'll miss you :(
Paul Gilroy
November 28, 2012
Kevin my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family . I for one will miss Tony and his blue eyes.
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