Tom passed away on December 14 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Tom was a man of many gifts and many passions. At the age of 13, Tom wanted to be a chef and knew it would always be a major part of his life. Tom was born in San Francisco and raised in San Bruno, CA. He graduated from Crestmoor High School and earned his AA degree at San Francisco City College in Hotel Restaurant Management and then furthered his career graduating from Golden Gate College with a degree in Bachelors of Science in Management. He was a 30 year member of the YMI San Francisco Council #1. In 1992, Tom opened De La Torre's Trattoria in Pleasanton and made a second home for many. He had the drive to walk into the dining room of his restaurant during a busy night and have conversations with many customers who became great friends. Tom's passion for the restaurant business never died, as he always said "I cannot wait to go to work, I love what I do." Throughout the years, Tom cherished his employees who were part of our family; he always said to his line cooks "cook the food with love." Another passion for Tom was fishing. He loved his yearly trips to British Colombia to catch salmon. He fished many lakes in California and Lake Tahoe was his home away from home. He fished many early mornings with his two yellow labs Andie and Chester. Tom is survived by his loving wife, Leigh; devoted daughter Julianna; parents Edward and Mary De La Torre; sisters Diane Matson (Erik) of Reno, Marilyn Marshall (Robert II) of San Bruno; brothers James De La Torre (Diane) of San Bruno; Paul De La Torre (Angie) of Pacifica. Nieces and Nephews: Marian Marshall, Robert Marshall III, Daniel De La Torre, Lisa De La Torre, Anthony De La Torre, Jamie De La Torre, Lucas De La Torre, Alexis, Shayla and Joey Mattson. We would like to acknowledge the contribution and compassion of all of those who cared for him. Friends and Family are invited to a vigil on Wednesday 18th at 7:30pm and a funeral service Thursday 19th at 10:00am St. Augustine Church, 3999 Bernal Ave., Pleasanton, and a reception immediately to follow at the Castlewood Country Club. For further information, contact:

Graham-Hitch Mortuary

(925) 846-5624.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Dec. 15 to Dec. 16, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas De La Torre

61 Entries

Jim Vlamis

December 9, 2020

To think that seven years have past since Tom passed away is mind blowing.
What is most relevant today is that Leigh has taken the reins of the restaurant and done a phenomenal job. Tom has to be looking down and saying " I knew I married up" :-) when I was lucky enough to find a woman who had the same passion as I did for a business that touches so many people.
Leigh has made the most of Tom's unfortunate passing as while we miss him sitting and chatting with us when dining she has had far more to contend with such a void in her life.
We not only were customers but were neighbors and not having the fishing boat present in the driveway made the statement of Tom's passing.
Yes, his memory to many will be Eternal!!
Jim and Argie Vlamis

Donna Fontana

January 27, 2014

Dear Leigh and Julianna, we were so sad to hear the news of Tom's passing. Unfortunately, we just found out this weekend. We always looked forward to seeing him at the restaurant. He made us all feel very special. We will miss him forever. Our prayers are with you both. Love, Dino, Donna, Michael and Juliana Fontana - and Nonna Lina Messina.

January 2, 2014

Dear Leigh and Julianna,

We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Celeste & Jerry Robinson
Reno, NV

Amy G

January 2, 2014

Leigh and Julianna,
Our family made DelaTorre's a second kitchen for us. We always brought friends and family to this wonderful place and enjoyed seeing the specials that Tom would create. We will continue to enjoy our time there, knowing that Tom's spirit and passion for great food and enjoyment will live on.

Dominic Scotto

December 27, 2013

Dear Leigh and Julianna
Nancy and I were very saddened to hear of Tom's passing. We will miss his generous spirit, wry smile and passion for what and who he so obviously loved. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

December 25, 2013

Dear Leigh,
Our deepest sympathy. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Wayne and Gia Brown

December 23, 2013

Dear Leigh and Julianna,
We were just totally saddened to hear about Tom! Over the years we have had so many special moments with Tom coming out of the kitchen to visit with us. We are in Boston and thus were not aware of this tragedy until the obituary was forwarded to us.
May his memory be eternal!
Jim and Argie Vlamis

Paul Mercurio

December 22, 2013

Dear Leigh and Julianna,
The Mercurio family is mourning Tom's passing. His passion for food showed through in every dish. We are all thinking about you. If there is anything we can help you with please call. God Bless.

December 21, 2013

Leigh and Julianna, it is with such sorrow that we share our sympathies for your loss of Tom. He truly was such a joy and he always made us feel like we were eating at the family table. Perhaps that is why so many of our greatest family memories and celebrations involved his wonderful food and gracious generosity....and for that, we are forever grateful. We pray for God's peace and grace for you both at this time.
With love, kate DeBernardi and children (Lucas, Fiona and Aidan)
Jeff DeBernardi

December 20, 2013

Dear Leigh and Julianna;
It was with great shock and sadness that Betty and I learned of Tom's passing this evening. One of the great delights of our time in Pleasanton were our Tuesday evenings at De La Torre's. Tom, as everyone knows, was one of the finest chef's in the San Francisco area but only a chosen few know what a terrific fellow he was. We will cherish the memories of the many nights we closed the restaurant talking with him. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
With much Love
Tom & Betty Spankie

Pat Fritts

December 20, 2013

I was saddened to earn about Tom. To his family and especially Leigh and Juliana my condolences. I would like to believe he is up in heaven cooking for the angels.

Sam Aronis

December 20, 2013

Dear De La Torre Family,
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

The Horne Family

December 19, 2013

While we never knew Tom personally, we've had many dinners at the restaurant over the last 10 years. We know how intimately both Leigh and Julianna were to that enterprise and labor of family. Our sincere condolences and prayers are extended to the family

Grazioli

December 18, 2013

We are truly sorry for your loss of Tom and know that he will be missed.

Sincerely, Joe, Sue And Nicole Grazioli

December 18, 2013

Dear De La Torre family,
We are truly sorry for the loss of Tom and want to express our condolences.

Sincerely, Joe, Sue and Nicole Grazioli

Laurie Quinlan

December 18, 2013

The most vivid and earliest memory I have of my cousin Tom was when we were very young. He was in the back yard with my brothers, I watched in awe of this little boy playing calmly as the afternoon sun shined brightly like a spotlight illuminating him. I wanted to join him but I was not allowed, it was a "guy thing" not allowing girls to join them. I don't remember the rest of that visit, I only remember Tom playing in the sun.

Ruth Haber

December 18, 2013

Leigh, my deepest condolences to you and Juliana. I was shocked and saddened to read of Tom's illness and his passing. Be thankful for all the good times and great memories.

December 18, 2013

Dear Leigh and Julianna: Please accept my deepest sympathies. Please know I have never forgotten the generosity and kindness you and Tom bestowed upon me. Dear Tom, happy fishing! Lovingly, Christine AStark

The Bodnar Family

December 18, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Leigh and Julianna. We have so many amazing memories of special family dinners over the years. Getting to know you all and watching Julianna grow up have been and extra special treat. He will be greatly missed in the community and his art of cooking will live on in many people's hearts and memories. By Far, the BEST restaurant in PLEASANTON.

Charles Enea

December 18, 2013

My sincerest condolence to the entire De La Torre family for your loss, Tom was a kind and decent man that will be sadly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Jeff Falcon

December 18, 2013

Our family met Tom many times at the restaurant, but knew him best through the art he created in his food. If it is true that art is an expression of one's soul, Tom must have been a wonderful man. Our most sincere condolences to his family, whom we often see at the restaurant. We will miss him too.

December 18, 2013

My condolences to your family. Danielle DeMeyer, restaurant patron

The Cutino Family

December 18, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the De La Torre family.

Kevin Lake

December 18, 2013

Leigh and Julianna
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much Tom meant to both of you. I wish I could be there this week to help you get through this I am so sorry that was not possible. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

December 17, 2013

Leigh & Juliana,
Our sincerest sympathy on the loss of Tom, may your fond memories of him ease your sorrow at this difficult time. Should you need anything, don't hesitate. Sending hugs to you both.

Larry, Nancy and family

December 17, 2013

Tom will be missed deeply by all who knew him. We will miss seeing him zipping around the neighborhood on his Vespa, and we will most certainly miss his presence at DelaTorres. Love to you and your family. We hope that you can find some comfort in the prayers and love that are being sent your way.

December 17, 2013

Dear Leigh and Juliana,
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Tom's passing. We are keeping you in prayer during this difficult time.
Sandy and Sonny Murphy (Dr. Head's office)

deedee davi farley

December 17, 2013

I am so sad about his passing. He was the family's personal and most favorite chef. To go the the restaurant was like being at home with his company and genius of cooking. What a loss. Will miss him and praise him everytime I have pasta! He was a gentleman. Cousin DeeDee Davi Farley

Pat Seeno Brookshire

December 17, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

December 17, 2013

Leigh and Juliana,
So sorry to hear about Cousin Tommy. Our deepest sympathy for you and your family. We will miss him, he was a good guy and most certainly the best Chef our town has ever seen.

We had some good times.

Larry and Jan Davi

Linda Mickle

December 17, 2013

It's a sad day. Tom will be missed by many.

Diane Baca

December 17, 2013

Leigh and Juliana,

Tom was such a genuine person. I will really miss him. I will never forget your kindness to me in my time of need. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Olga Medina

December 17, 2013

Leigh and Juliana, We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss Tom's smile and wonderful hospitality. Our prayers are with you all. The Medina Family

Bob Davini

December 17, 2013

I went to Saint Roberts with Tom, it seemed like just yesterday. Have not seen him since but I can picture back to those days he was a great guy we had a lot of fun times when time seemed it could never end ... Sorry to all the family, remember someday we will all meet again and I'm
sure Tom will have a fantastic meal ready for all to enjoy ....

December 16, 2013

To Jim and family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope your memories of your brother Tom help you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Sue Moscatelli-Borghello

December 16, 2013

Tom was a great guy, lots of fun,
my heart goes out to you both,
Zip

Linda Burge

December 16, 2013

May we be grateful to God for the life of Thomas DeLaTorre and continue to celebrate him always! My sincere condolences to the entire DeLaTorre family.
Linda Fletcher Burge

December 16, 2013

Leigh and Juliana,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. RIP Tom. Thank you for all the great meals and friendly conversations. You are missed.
Fondly,
Joe and Kathleen

December 16, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to the De La Torre family. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. RIP Tom.
Maryann & Jon Bologna

John Enea

December 16, 2013

I am deeply saddened over the loss of my cousin Tom. He was down-to-earth, a man of exceptional integrity, and an extraordinary human being. I always respected Tom and I looked up to him. I offer my deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Leigh, Juliana, Ed, Mary, and the entire De La Torre family. Tom's presence in this world was a blessing to all of us and he will remain in our hearts forever.

Rest in peace.....

Sr. Ita Cleary

December 16, 2013

Sincere sympathy to. Ed , Mary and family on the death of Tom. Our prayers will be there to support you during this sad time. May God comfort and console you.

Paul Medeiros

December 16, 2013

I met Tom through a mutual friend and had many business luncheons at Tom's restaurant over the years. My deepest sympathy's to his family

Denise Stokes-Selby

December 16, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss.

December 16, 2013

My deepest condolences and prayers go out to the De La Torre Family. I am so sorry for your loss. Your cousin, Karen A. Seeno

Jenny Chakonova

December 16, 2013

Cherish your memories and know that Tom enjoyed a life well lived. My prayers are with the entire family at this very sad and difficult time.

Rose Davi

December 16, 2013

To all my cousins, I'm so very sorry to learn of Tommy's illness and his passing. I'll always remember that smile of his that could light up a room . I pray God will hold you and comfort you as only he can.
My mother sends her symphony and wishes she could be there to express her feelings to you personally .
God bless you all
We love you
Rose and Aunt Vitina Davi

The Bormann Family

December 16, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with Leigh and Julianna and the whole De La Torre Family. As a neighbor and patron of De La Torre's we will miss his greeting in the restaurant, his fishing stories and the life he brought to this community. He will truly be missed! Rest in Peace and God Bless!

Tim Albrecht

December 16, 2013

Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for the loss of Tom, I truly enjoyed going to Tom's restaurant to talk about food,fishing or family.

You will truly be missed rest in peace and god bless my friend !

Jenna Galves

December 16, 2013

It was an honor to have worked for Tom. He treated all of his employees like family. I learned so much from him. His drive and determination and his passion for cooking left a lasting impression on me. His love for his family was so evident especially the way his eyes lit up when his daughter would come into the restaurant. He was an honorable and courageous man. May he rest in peace.

Jenna Galves

December 16, 2013

It was a privilege to have been an employee of Tom's for five years. I learned so much from him and he truly treated all of his employees like part of the family. I admired his passion for his restaurant and his drive and determination. He truly loved what he did. I also remember his love for his family and the way his face would light up when his daughter would come Into a room. My heart is with his family at this time. He was a courageous and honorable man. May he rest in peace.

Mary Ann Kuznicki

December 16, 2013

Sending prayers and love to you both during this difficult time

The Staff of Graham-Hitch Mortuary

December 16, 2013

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Inez Swarrowsky

December 16, 2013

Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.

December 16, 2013

To the entire family~
Our prayers and thoughts are with your family, you have out deepest sympathy on your lost.
Tim and Rosanna Wieland (Svedise)

Dean Caskey

December 16, 2013

So-long, Tom. Our years together, back in the day, are good memories for me.

Heather Spadaro

December 16, 2013

My condolences goes out to the De La Torre family. Although I only have met Tom briefly I know how deeply he was loved by his family. I am sorry for all of your loss. May he walk with the Lord.

Annalisa Becker

December 15, 2013

My prayers are with the entire family at this very difficult time.

December 15, 2013

My heart felt sympathy and prayers to family and friends of Tom. May he RIP after his courageous battle with cancer.

Christine Wallace

December 15, 2013

Remembering Tom for many things most of all always interested in family and people and their life. Much love to my sister Leigh and niece Julianna-love you and know I am here for whatever you need. Sending strength and prayers

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