Alphonse F. Torchia, 92

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Alphonse Francis "Al" Torchia, 92, of North Adams, Mass., died Thursday June 14, 2018, at North Adams Commons.

He was born in North Adams, Mass., on November 17, 1925, son of Pasquale and Teresa (Lanzo) Torchia. He attended local schools and graduated from Drury High School with the class of 1943. Al was a decorated veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army infantry in Europe. After the war, he graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a degree in electrical engineering. Al worked as an engineer at Sprague Electric Co. and was last employed by the city of North Adams as an engineer until his retirement.

He was a communicant of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. he was a member of Sons of Italy Lodge #704 and was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #125. He enjoyed horse-racing and watching baseball.

His wife was Ann Marie "Nancy" (Foley) Torchia; she died on May 27, 2003. They were married on November 27, 1954 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Adams.

Survivors include two daughters, Catherine Chenail and her husband, Peter, of North Adams and Mary Lussier and her husband, Jeffrey, of Hudson, Mass.; two sons, Michael Torchia and his wife, Sandra, of Clarksburg and Frank Torchia and his wife, Gisele, of Adams; six grandchildren, Sarah, Alicia, Vanessa, Susan, Christian and Stratton; one great-granddaughter, Sophia; one brother, Lawrence Torchia and his wife, Hannelore, of Adams; his sister-in-law Violet Torchia; and nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Two brothers are deceased: Pasquale Torchia and Francis Torchia.

Al's family wants to extend its thanks to the following for all of their care and compassion including Elder Services; Home Instead; At Home TLC; HospiceCare of the Berkshires; North Adams Commons and the local and national Veterans Administration.

Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Al Torchia will be celebrated Saturday, June 16, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery.

A calling hour will be held Saturday morning from 9 to 10 a.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapel, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, Mass. Memorial donations may be made to Elder Services of Berkshire County or the Fisher House for families of hospitalized veterans in care of the funeral home.