Obituary of Joseph Torchia

Joseph Torchia, 91, of Jackson passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 10, 2019. He was born and raised in Long Branch, moved to Maryland and had lived in Howell for over 40 years, before moving to Whiting in 2007. He then moved to live with his son Mike in Jackson, in 2012. Joseph courageously served in the United States Navy during World War II on the Battleship USS Missouri BB-63 and then the USS Wisconsin BB-64. He was a custom home builder for over 40 years, owning Joseph Torchia Builder of Howell, retiring in 2007. He was a USS Wisconsin Association Member. Joseph enjoyed farming vegetables, watermelon and flowers. He was also an outdoorsman with a passion for hunting and fishing. Joseph was above all a devoted family man.

He was predeceased by his wife, Lola Beverly “Bev” Torchia; four brothers, Pete Torchia, Tony Torchia, Paul Torchia and James Torchia; and three sisters, Mary Torchia, Louise Hannon, and Anetta Torchia. Joseph is survived by his five children, Mike Torchia and his wife, Sherry of Jackson, Joseph Torchia and his wife, Patricia of Jackson, Christine Garnsey and her husband, Lloyd of Clayton, NY, Eileen Kegley and her husband, Charles of Howell, and Terry Sullivan and her husband, Kevin of Hubbersville, NY; eight grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; one brother, John Torchia and his wife, Edna of Neptune; and one sister, Yolanda “Polly” Nisbet of Houston, TX.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 1:30 PM funeral service at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle New Jersey Veterans Cemetery, Arneytown on Friday, September 27, 2019. For those who desire, memorial contributions in Joseph’s name may be made to the Nauticus Foundation, One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510 or the USS Wisconsin Association, Attention to: John Fox, 378 Whipple Lane Rochester, NY 14622-2552. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com