Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Torricelli Obituary
James C.
Torricelli, PhD
James C. Torricelli, PhD, 75, of Rochester, died at home on Wednesday, September 22, 2010.
Jim was born the youngest of nine children on January 28, 1935 in his home in Tovey, IL, the son of Patrizio Joseph and Virginia Vignocchi Torricelli of Ospitale, Italy.
Jim graduated from Tovey Grade School and Kincaid High School. He earned an associate's degree from Springfield Junior College and his bachelor's degree from Quincy College. He then went on to earn his master's degree from SEMO in Kirksville, MO and his PhD at SIU in Carbondale. He proudly served his country in the Army Reserve for eight years and served during the Korean War. He was made an Honorary Colonel of the National Guard. Jim worked as a teacher and coach and went on to run a vocational school. He then began and ran his own non-profit organization, New Start Inc. for more than 30 years.
Jim was well rooted in his Italian heritage and was known as a colorful, unique man who was devoted to his family. His word was his life. He was a member of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He was also very involved in local and state politics and was a member of the Sangamo Club, Past Member of the Roman Cultural Society and founding member of the Bulldog Baseball Dugout Club. He loved to travel, read, fish, hunt, cook Italian food and dance.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Mario, Joseph, William, Fred and Reno Torricelli and nephew, Fred-John Torricelli.
He is survived by his siblings, Wanda (husband, Kenny) Melvin and Robert and John Torricelli; sisters-in-law, Nancy and JoAnn Torricelli; his loving and devoted fiancee, Cheryl Betty; daughter, Virginia (husband, Joseph) Bartletti; sons, James (wife, Karen), Timothy (wife, Mary), Steve (wife, Gina) and Jeffrey Torricelli; seven grandchildren, Sara, Reece, Bryce, Sofia, Francesca and Olivia Torricelli and Lauren Blakeman; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Family will receive friends from 9 a.m. - 1p.m. on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Sacred Heart Church, 730 S. 12th St., Springfield. A Funeral Mass will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Steven Janoski, celebrant.
Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to Benedictine Baseball program, 1500 N. 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702.
The family of James C. Torricelli is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
Please visit Jim's online life story at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Torricelli
Donna Haines
October 7, 2010
Virginia and Family,
Jan & I wanted you to know we have been thinking of you. Our Sympathy and Condolences to you and the family.
Donna & Jan Haines
connie moriconi
September 30, 2010
Cheryl and Jims family..... I just heard of Jims passing last night at Gabatoni"s. Iam so sad I did not know this sooner and I missed the funeral. I just talk to him two weeks ago on the phone. He always told me he was going to be ok. Jim and I met 25 yrs ago when I worked at Saputo's and have been very good friends ever since.If we didn't see each other for a while he would always call me, he never ever forgot to call on my birthday. He would always ask how my family was. We are both Italian and he loved that! He would read all about my last name and tryed to find out what he could for me. Jim was one of a kind. I will miss my Italian friend so much!! Iam a very luck person to have been a friend of Jim Torriicelli!!!!!!!
James A Torricelli
September 29, 2010
The text of the Eulogy I gave for my Father at his funeral September 25, 2010.
Poppo always said " When a person dies, the library is closed for good". That might be true but, we sure took a lot of information out of it all these years. I believe that through his kids, grandkids and anyone who knew him, these memories will continue for some time.
Dad loved life and he loved to laugh and I think that's why people were drawn to him.
He had a great sense of humor and was a fantastic storyteller.
Poppo never knew a stranger and could talk to anybody about anything.
He was a straight shooter who let you know what was on his mind.
He was extremely proud to be Italian and he came along way from that little house in Tovey Illinois.
My Dad had so many accomplishment's in his life that I would be happy just to even get close in mine.
Poppo strongly believed in God and prayed daily to his favorite Saint Padre Pio.
A fair assessment of our Dad would be that he was a unique individual and that God broke the mold after he made him.
There were many lessons me and my family learned from our Dad growing up and the number one thing was, "Family first".
Always take care of your family.
He taught us to try to forgive our enemies.
He always said that anytime someone does something nice for you " Try your hardest to remember it always" and when you do something nice for someone else " Try your hardest to forget".
Most importantly, he taught us to be "True to our word". His word was his life.
I would like to share something I found when we were going through some of Dad's papers. This was my Fathers Credo and he summed himself up beautifully!
" I elected along time ago not to be an ordinary person. I really do not know why, but it is my prerogative to be unconventional. I pursue opportunity for it is right, not just for the sake of opportunity. I demand of myself not to be kept by anyone, and I prefer the challenges of life to merely a guaranteed existence; the excitement of seeking fulfillment, rather than the state of being content. I will not exchange my dignity for the demands of any master. It is my heritage to stand erect, and proud, to think and act, to enjoy the fruits of creativity and emotionality which is the by-product of my blood line. It is my duty to face the world squarely and truthfully state, this with God's help, is what it is to be just me".
James C. Torricelli, Ph.d
Ciao
September 27, 2010
My sincere sympathy and condolences to the entire Torricelli family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bruce Countryman
Melody Lower
September 27, 2010
Jim,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Melody (Taylor) Lower
September 25, 2010
/*
John Schleppenbach
September 25, 2010
Dr. Torricelli provided help and encouragement in support of many programs at Quincy University over many years. He truly shared the Franciscan spirit with all who knew him, and his faith and good works will be long remembered by all of us here. Our condolences to family and friends.
Lara Casella Parkes
September 25, 2010
I remember Mr. Torricelli from the times he would visit the Marian Center, where I used to work. He always had a kind word, sympathetic ear, and invariably an interesting story to share. It was a pleasure to know him. I am so sorry for the loss of your dad.
September 25, 2010
To Jim's family
Please accept our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers as you mourn your loss and celebrate Jim's life.
My late father, Dick Glasscock, valued his friendship with Jim. My mother, Amy Glasscock and I hope you take comfort in your memories of this special man.
Carol Glasscock Woodrum
Don Hudson
September 25, 2010
To the Torricelli Family,
Sorry to here this bad news about the passing of Jim.
A fun guy , who always asked about our family, and had something, nice or humorous to say.. We all will miss him..
Don Hudson and Family,
September 24, 2010
To Jim's loving family and to the love of his life Cheryl:
Such deep sadness to lose a vibrant and "full of Life" wonderful man. Marty and I have such an empty feeling of this loss. Jim always promised that we all would go to Italy and here we are........never wait good people!! Bless you all and I will keep my candle lit and prayers coming. Bless you Cheryl and call anytime. Judy Gutschenritter
September 24, 2010
I have known Jim for over 35 years although we seldom saw each other these past 30 years. We met when I was Sheriff and shared a very unique friendship. Every year since we parted he always called me on my birthday to wish me a happy birthday plus other times during the years. . I consider Jim to have been one of my dearest friends. I miss him and I shall never forget him. Although I regret not being able to attend his funeral he will be in my prayers and thoughts on this day and other days until I join him in eternity. Martin Gutschenritter
Jennifer Ingram and Jeremy Cook
September 24, 2010
Steve and the entire Torricelli family -
Jeremy and I are so sorry about Poppo's passing. He was a wonderful man and we'll miss him very much. If there is anything we can do, please let us know and we'll be there.
Kim Pate
September 24, 2010
I worked for Jim many years ago at New Start, Inc. and have continued to run across Jim throughout my life from time to time. He gave me my first job and the peple I worked with in his office were like family to me. I will always remember him and the many lives he touched throughout his life. He always had such a big heart and I remember him handing food to the homeless on Thanksgiving as well as helping to give a "New Start" to people who were down on their hopes. I also know he was so very proud of his Italian Heritage and has a wonderful entourage of family and friends. My heart and prayers are with all of you. He will always be remembered.
Tim and Becky Harmon
September 24, 2010
Jeff our deepest sympathies to you the girls and your family. Your Dad was a wonderful guy and we enjoyed the many years that we worked with him. He was a great asset to the Springfield community and will be missed.
Our deepest regards,
Tim and Becky Harmon
September 24, 2010
Jim, I will miss you and never forget how you touched my life for the short time I worked for you. I'm so glad I met you and truly was inspired by all your accomplishments.
Cheryl and Torricelli Family,
I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers go out to you.
Mona
September 24, 2010
VT......we are thinking of you and your family...love Bob and Malinda
September 24, 2010
I met Jim a few years ago at Quincy University when he was involved in working with one of my colleagues there. Once he and I found out that we had a number of common acquaintances in the Tovey area, we really hit it off as friends. Jim was kind enough to provide professional advise and assistance to me in a number of different areas. He also spoke in one of my classes about the ins and outs of running a business and about professional careers. He also talked to them about some of his experiences in Italy. His visit was well received by my students and they really enjoyed his personable style. Jim was a true professional and one heck of a guy. My sympathy goes out to his family.
John Palmer
Associate Professor of Management
Quincy University
anna maria busi maselli
September 24, 2010
Alla famiglia di James Torricelli
Ricordiamo James in visita nella nostra casa di Bologna, in Italia, pochi anni fa.
Commossi vi siamo vicini e vi facciamo tante condoglianze.
Anna Maria, Alessandro e Maria Cristina Maselli
(Anna Maria è la figlia di Dimma Torricelli. Dimma era figlia di Fortunata e Domenico Torricelli. Domenico era fratello di Joseph Torricelli)
Anna Maria Busi Maselli
Via San Mamolo 3
40136 Bologna
Italy
September 24, 2010
SYMPATHY GOES TO JIM'S FAMILY. I WAS A CLASSMATE FROM KINCAID H/S. AND HAVE STAYED IN TOUCH WITH HIM FOR MANY YEARS. HE WAS VERY PROUD OF HIS FAMILY AND WILL BE MISSED BY HIS MANY FRIENDS. WE ALWAYS ENJOYED JIM AT OUR CLASS REUNIONS.
BIB KOVACK, MATTOON,IL-LAKE WORTH, FL.
September 24, 2010
Dear Jeff and Family, you have lost a wonderful, wonderful person. From casual friends to dear ones, from Quincy University to political parties we all loss with you. Our prayers and thoughts are with you...I have two relatives in the hospital otherwise I would be with you physically but my prayers are there. God Bless, Mike McClain
Royale Anne Hinds
September 24, 2010
Jeff - I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Monica Cimarossa
September 24, 2010
Jim, Virginia and Family
I am very sorry for your loss. I will be keeping your family in my prayers
September 24, 2010
VT - My deepest sympathy to you and family.
Joe Rossman
Vegas
Pat (Nieland) Jones
September 24, 2010
To the Torricelli family: So sorry to hear about the loss of your Father. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Remember the good memories.
Joan Smith
September 24, 2010
Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jim Torricelli. Many years have passed since I last saw or talked with Jim, but he was a truly unforgettable individual. His sense of humor, personality and story telling capabilities made him a very entertaining person. There is no doubt that he will be missed, but he surely leaves behind a wealth of memories to be shared.
Kevin Butler
September 24, 2010
To Jeff and Steve and family,please accept my condolences and prayers for your loss.I lost my father this year at age 75.Know that while it hurts right now,it will be a process.I will continue to pray for healing and understanding.God bless you all.
Nan Allers
September 24, 2010
Virginia,
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
herbert moscardelli
September 24, 2010
mr. torricelli was my teacher in the 70;s he was the best teacher anyone can ask for.he will be miss. the springfield schools will have a great loss that will never be replace. herbert moscardelli
Tony, Anna Marie, Michael & Jacob Reese
September 24, 2010
Torricelli Family - We were very sorry to hear about your dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve & Marilyn Brown
September 24, 2010
To know Jim Torricelli was to know a bunch of people.
The Professor knew a lot about a lot, but always had the skill to explain the complicated to the generally baffled.
The Torch was a generator of a zillion ideas, lots and lots of good times and more stories than and mortal mind can remember.
He was a pal, mentor, great dad and for many of an irreplaceable part of life.
His legacy will be the women and men Jim touched through New Start who were able to turn huge corners in their lives.
For us the memories will include the many, many regular people we have met.
These words do not fully explain how much we cherished our time with Jim. Suffice to say that aside from our parents Jim stands out.
Our prayers and sympathies go out to Cheryl and Jim's family.
We all wish we had more time with Jim, but we truly treasure the years or days or hours that we did have
Brad Clare
September 24, 2010
Torricelli Family:
Very sorry to hear about this. Deepest sympathies for your loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
September 24, 2010
Jim was a bright, caring, honest and decent man-- one of the best. He helped many people in his life and believed in giving people a second opportunity in life. I valued and consider his frienship of decades an honor. He also had a great wit, gift of gab and love of his Italian heritage. He never met a stranger. I can personally recall his efforts to support adult education and even to bring his not-for-profit program to Danville to help with job retraining. He did that as a favor to me as a member of the House even without my asking him to help. Most of all, he was always there to support and promote his family, as he should have. He will be greatly missed by the myriad of folks he touched.
Virginia O'Donnell-Coughliln
September 24, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
The Canterburys
September 24, 2010
Steve, our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Your father was a very good man and our family enjoyed being with him during college baseball season.
Janet Howe
September 24, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Tami Foster
September 24, 2010
Virginia - So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Staci Britz
September 24, 2010
Tim and family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your father, it seems that he led a full life and enjoyed his family. May memories comfort you during this difficult time. You family is in my prayers
Brittany Brown
September 24, 2010
Cheryl and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a great man and he will be missed. Brittany Brown (Dr. Lanzotti's Office)
September 24, 2010
Virginia, I'm sorry for your loss, my prayers reach out to you and your family in your time of need.. Linda Poppenga(Menghini)
The Law's
September 24, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 44 of 44 results
Make a Donation
in James Torricelli's name
Memorial Events
for James Torricelli
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Torricelli's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
