Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Richard Torregrossa Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Torregrossa
Dorothy Fritz
July 18, 2022
I was so sad when I discovered Richard had passed. I met him years ago at a book conference when Little Book of Wisdom came out. We hit it off instantly, when we were lucky enough to share a seat on a cramped transport bus, and conversed many times over the years. I remember his wit and ability to laugh. He called my bookstore once and wanted to order 100 copies of his current book. My little 8 year old daughter, who took the call, was ecstatic to possibly sell multiple copies of his book. She screeched, Richard and I laughed, and I told her to hang up on Richard. She did. He called back. Lol. She was so mad but happy he called.
I will miss my friend! We loved you Richard
Rick Horgan
July 9, 2022
We met in New York in 1980, hung out. Had many late nights, many conversations. I visited him in San Diego. He was a great guy, talented. He was integral in why I advanced forward in my publishing career. We were contemporaries and had the same dreams. My deep regret is that we didn't keep in better touch. He will be hugely missed.
Leland Williams
September 5, 2021
Just learned of Richard´s passing, where I am still in shock as it´s now 9/5/21
One presumes all is well I suppose until it isn´t.
Privileged to have known
Richard, shared many a special occasion with him as colleagues and friends.
Last spoke with him in 2019
Thought to look him up this morning and found he´d long ago passed.
Thank you all for sharing your thoughts last year it´s helped me absorb the loss. Richard was a wonderful friend.
Linda Hume-Johnson
September 18, 2020
Richard will always and forever, be in my heart...Many fun memories to enjoy, forever more - Linda Hume-Johnson
Catherine Jameson
September 15, 2020
I am both shocked and saddened to hear of Richard’s passing and extend my deepest condolences to Judy & Frank, Lester and the whole family. Richard is the reason I moved to NYC in 1979 after we met in London and we kept in touch for many years even long after that time together. I was so happy his dreams of being a published author came true and was anxiously awaiting his latest novel to be made into a film as he told me it might! Such memories from our youth and many names here I fondly remember. Rest in Peace RT. You will be missed.
Philip Zangara
June 27, 2020
Remember playing football in the vacant lot on Flatlands Ave as young kids, I think it was across the street from his house...hanging out with the likes of Moskowitz, Ventura and the gang in our teens even after moving out to LI...... life sometimes gets in the way and we lost touch after college, but we did get to reconnect a few years ago, began to catch up, planning to get together in SD, where funny enough he had run into my sister living there...
Unfortunately it never happened, just can't believe it..
Frank Moore
May 30, 2020
I met Richard "T" Torregrossa in grammar school. A group of us seemed to gravitate together because of shared interests. Will never forget all the fun times we had together, from playing football in the field across the street from your house to playing in a band together. After high school our lives went in different directions but we were able to get together from time to time to catch up. He was a true class act, full of creativity, wit and humor. You will be missed old friend.
Gretchen
May 24, 2020
* could not know that first fateful day in Coronado , that would be the beginning of a 33 year friendship. I also did not know when I spoke to you in mid Feb. that it would be the last time. To say I am broken hearted shows that I have none of your amazing writing skills. You would do such a better job at writing a tribute to me . You walked into a secret room and for the time being I cannot follow. One day I will and then we will continue the conversation. I will miss you forever.
Love & Aloha Nui Loa
John Bishop
May 19, 2020
It has been months since your premature passing Richard and I still have difficulty coming to grips with it. Our time growing up in Brooklyn and attending the same schools from grade school through Brooklyn College have left me with memories that on dark nights bring me a smile and a wish we could have added more in the years to come. Our careers took us on different paths and while we did fall out of touch, I always felt you were my best friend. Our adventures in Coronado and witnessing the start of your lifelong love affair with Anita will always bring me back to a happier time. We miss you Richard and I pray that you are reunited with Anita in a far better place. Sleep well dear friend, you are sorely missed........
John Bishop
May 19, 2020
It has been months since your premature passing Richard and I still have difficulty coming to grips with it. Our time growing up in Brooklyn and attending the same schools from grade school through Brooklyn College have left me with memories that on dark nights bring me a smile and a wish we could have added more in the years to come. Our careers took us on different paths and while we did fall out of touch, I always felt you were my best friend. Our adventures in Coronado and witnessing the start of your lifelong love affair with Anita will always bring me back to a happier time. We miss you Richard and I pray that you are reunited with Anita in a far better place. Sleep well my friend, you are sorely missed........
Dino Certo
May 10, 2020
Terrible loss I considered him one of my dearest friends gone much to soon
BOB MOSKOWITZ
May 9, 2020
Often think about the fun stupid times we had growing up in Brooklyn. I see some familiar names here.... Chuck, Ken, and the unsigned tribute that mentioned my name. Sis, I remember playing chess on your stoop with young Les. Hope the rest of the old gang is doing well. 'T' was a stand up classy guy. May he rest in peace and his memory live on and on.
Susan Redstone
April 19, 2020
What a true gentleman and friend. As noted in the foreword of my book published 2008, titled: Just Try It On! A Month by Month Guide to Shopping and Style, Richard was the catalyst to make this happen. By simply encouraging me, helping to push away any doubt, he showed me that a long desired project of mine was possible and watched over me as guide and mentor as it happened. He was a gem of a colleague and friend, listening with a practiced ear and the tolerance for long phone calls. I teased him about his Anglophile tendencies (since he was originally from New York, and I from London in the UK) and wished to visit the UK at the same time as him, one day. As a Style Writer his capacities of observation and reportage were extraordinary, as evidenced by the publication of Cary Grant A Celebration of Style, and he was one of the coolest cats I know. Sorely, sadly and stylishly missed. Rest in Peace dearest Richard, you were one in a million. A special person and a special friend.
April 17, 2020
Remember playing football in the vacant lot on Flatlands Ave as young kids, I think it was across the street from his house...hanging out with the likes of Moskowitz, Ventura and the gang in our teens even after moving out to LI...... life sometimes gets in the way and we lost touch after college, but we did get to reconnect a few years ago, began to catch up, planning to get together in SD, where funny enough he had run into my sister living there...
Unfortunately it never happened, just can't believe it..
Carrie Phelps
April 14, 2020
A great friend and confidante, great wit and so intelligent. I'm so glad you reached out to me to connect on LinkedIn back in 2013 from across the country. What a great New York State of mind (not to mention accent) transplanted to San Diego. I loved putting your Facebook page together and your website, as well as marketing strategies for your book. Thanks for all the great conversations over the years. The world has lost a very good man with a lot of talent. And I've lost a good friend. Rest In Peace.
Rhonda Williams
April 13, 2020
I read Terminal Life and loved it. I emailed Richard about it & the possible release date for the next book in the series. Over the years we emailed back & forth. Never met him in person, but I loved his personality & wit. He encouraged me to write. I've emailed other authors over the years, but he was the only one to ask about me & start a personal conversation/exchange of emails with me.
I am saddened & will miss him!
Tracy P
April 13, 2020
You will forever be in my thoughts and heart. I look forward to the day when I see you again. Hopefully by then you will have taught the Angels how to make the Perfect Martini! Rest in Peace Richard. The world is a lot lonelier without you! xoxo
Leonard
April 13, 2020
I became aware of Gent Torregrossa by way of his Cary Grant book. The absolute best biography ever! We became close social media friends and then actual friends. We talked about Cary Grant and other well known style icons and others not so well known. We had a connection and he encouraged me to write my own book. Highly intelligent and a man of elegance. I will miss his sage counsel. RIP Gent, your time here was well spent, cheers to my peers!
April 13, 2020
One the good guys, and boy what a writer! Miss you pal.
Sam Millar
Thomas
April 12, 2020
Neighborhood friend and classmate you were a friendly guy with a great personality,your humor and quotes will be missed. Rest In Peace my friend
Cynthia Dial
April 12, 2020
Ill miss your wit, your writing advice, your sense of style. Ill miss you.
Sherrie
April 12, 2020
I am saddened by this news. He was a classy dresser and wrote a lot about fashion . I loved his last book and was hoping to read the next book he was working on. Although I never got the opportunity to meet him, we did have many conversations on Facebook and texting. I always lifted him up in prayer.
James
April 12, 2020
We enjoyed our times together at the Aztec games for many years and it was my husbands honor to help proof read & give Military advise on your book. You are greatly missed ❤
Jodie Lapatin
April 12, 2020
A great writer , an outstanding dresser, and we came from the neighborhood in Brooklyn. A big loss.
Charles Keenan
April 12, 2020
No better friend....Miss you T
Ken Rogers
April 12, 2020
Richie, I will miss you everyday. We were friends before High School and growing up together was great. Your Mom, Dad, Sister & Brother were like my family too. I will cherish are times together!
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Torregrossa's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Torregrossa
How to support Richard'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
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor Richard Torregrossa'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
