Anthony Torchio

Anthony “Torch” Torchio, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother, 81, of Weirton, passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at the Valley Hospice Palliative Care Unit in Steubenville, OH. Born May 16, 1923 in Weirton, he was the son of the late Louis and Mary Gillette Torchio, Sr. Anthony was also preceded in death by his sister Rose (Torchio) Altomare. He graduated from Weir High School in 1942. He was a member of the Band and the Weir football team. After graduation, Torch served in the US Army Air Force in the European Theater of Operations from 1942-1945. Upon his return from the Army, he was enrolled at WVU on a football scholarship and lettered in 1946, 47, 48 and 49. Upon his graduation from WVU where he earned a degree in Physical Education and Recreation, he became employed at the Millsop Community Center from 1950 to 1956 and, in 1956, was appointed Executive Director of Parks and Recreation where he served until his retirement in 1987. He was a board member of the National Recreation and Sports Association. Organizer of the Termite Baseball Association in 1955, received the Pop Warner award for his service to youth in 1959, the Hancock County Sports Greats Award, WV Centennial Commission Recognition of Sports Greats and received a certificate of appreciation from the Weirton Jaycees. He also served as Chief Deputy Commissioner for the WV Boxing Commission. Former Governor Gaston Caperton appointed him Athletic Commissioner for the State of West Virginia. He was a member of the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce for 27 years, serving seven years as President. He was named Distinguished West Virginian for meritorious service to the state. He was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus 3734 and the Holy Name Society. He was an avid golfer and loved all sports. Anthony’s survivors include his wife Mary (Gaylord) Torchio of Weirton, whom he married June 4, 1946; daughters Marianne Czapla and her husband Larry of California and Carolee Sikora and her husband Daniel of Weirton; two grandchildren Krista Czapla of California and Danielle (Sikora) Gambone and her husband Dominic of Canton, OH; great grandson Dominic Gambone IV; sister Viola Buracchio and brother Louis Torchio, Jr. both of Weirton. In addition to his family and friends, he devoted his life to his work, the community of Weirton and its youth. The family will receive friends Friday from 2-4 and 7-9PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, where a Prayer Service will be held at 2PM and the Knights of Columbus Rosary Service will be at 7PM. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated 10AM Saturday at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church with Reverend Father Stephen Dube presiding. Entombment will follow at St. Paul Cemetery in Weirton. Share tributes with his family at www.grecohertnick.com Funeral Home: Greco Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV US 26062