Eugene Gene"" Francis Torpey

Eugene ""Gene"" Francis Torpey, 67, of Manchester, loving husband of over 35 years of Barbara Anne (Nevins) Torpey, passed away peacefully surrounded by his caring family on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Hartford Hospital after his courageous battle with cancer. Born in Hartford on August 3, 1948, a son of the late William and Florence (Murray) Torpey, he had resided in Manchester for over 40 years. Gene was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era serving with the 18th Airborne ""Blue Dragons"". After his tour of duty, Gene became a life-long 18-Wheeler Truck Driver. He was a member of the British-American Club in Manchester and played the bagpipes with the Stewart Highlanders in Manchester. Gene was a life-long fan of the Boston Red Sox, and also enjoyed watching the New England Patriots, Notre Dame football, and UCONN basketball. A good game, especially shared with family members, was one of Gene's great pleasures in life. Gene was a good man who will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. Along with his beloved wife, Barbara, Gene is survived by two sons, Matthew Eugene Torpey of Marlborough and his girlfriend Erin, Daniel James Torpey of Manchester and his girlfriend Ali; three brothers, Richard ""Dick"" Torpey and his wife Peg of Monroe, MI, William ""Bill"" Torpey of East Hartford, Michael ""Mike"" Torpey and his wife Faith of Windsor; two sisters, Aileen Thomas and her husband David of Ballston Spa, NY, Florence ""Flo"" Kovensky and her husband Neil of East Hartford. Gene was also a loving uncle to many nephews and nieces. Funeral service will be Friday (February 26, 2016) at 8:45 a.m. from the D'Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Main Street/Maplewood Avenue, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will follow at the State of CT Veterans' Cemetery, Bow Lane, Middletown. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Eugene's name may be made to the American Cancer Society , 825 Brook Street, I-91 Tech Center, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.