Wayne Andrew Torrance

1946 - 2021

Wayne Andrew Torrance
If you asked a hundred people who Wayne Andrew Torrance was, they may all tell you a different story, Beloved husband, Decorated Vietnam Veteran, Devoted father, Practical Joker, Adored Grandfather, Squirrel Whisperer, Christmas Light Addict, Lover of popsicles and popcorn, Guardian of his galaxy and needed by all who loved him unendingly. It is no surprise that his family and friends are reeling with the tragic loss of such an amazing man and role model.
On Saturday, April 24, 2021, the Torrance family lost their hero after a sudden and unexpected illness. Wayne Andrew Torrance, age 74, left this world peacefully with his family surrounding him with love. Wayne was born in Sewickley, PA on October 21, 1946 to the late Ronald and Gladys Torrance. A graduate of Moon High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1966-1968 as Corporal and Machine Gun Squadron Leader, earning a Purple Heart for his bravery. On October 17, 1970, he married his sweetheart, Janice Kathleen Grillo, and was an employee of Industrial Appraisal Company for 41 years. When not fiercely providing for his wife and two daughters, Wayne spent his free time in those years enjoying hobbies such as fishing and catching minnows, taking family vacations that included go-cart racing and mini golf, and spending much time with family and friends. In his retirement, Wayne enjoyed many happy years in the company of his loving wife, Janice, holding hands and taking walks by the river. He loved feeding the birds and the squirrels, shooting off rocket balloons, hosting huge Labor Day picnics, waxing his truck, tinkering in the flowerbeds, caring for his 33 Ford coupe, attending car cruises and oldies dances, and serving as a volunteer for the Christmas Light-Up Celebration in Clinton each holiday season in his silly light-up Christmas hats. Only a man like Wayne could train his favorite squirrel, Wayne Jr, to eat peanuts out of his hand, and it brought him a simple, but great delight each day.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 50 years, Janice Torrance of Hopewell; his daughters, Tammi Hanak (Robert) of Washington, PA, and Kelly Torrance of Katoomba, Australia; his two granddaughters, who lovingly called him Tay-Tay, Marissa Hanak and Zenn Torrance-Jenkins, and his extended family in England. His tireless love and devotion to his family was not only evident during his entire lifetime but in his final moments as well. Strong, playful, and full of life, he was a true hero and protector to all who loved Wayne. While death leaves an ache that cannot be healed, our love for Wayne leaves a memory no one can steal.
Friends will be received on Tuesday April 27 and Wednesday April 28 from 12-8 pm at R.D. Copeland Funeral Home, 981 Brodhead Road, Moon Township PA 15108 where a funeral service with full Military Honors will be held on Thursday April 29 at 10:30 am to honor this beloved man.