To TJ and family, my most sincere sympathy on your father's passing.  May he rest in peace.

Our sincere sympathy and prayers to Torey’s family. Our family was privileged to be a part of the gymnastics “family”.  Our son, Scott was involved in gymnastics for many years. First as a gymnast, then as a coach and finally as a judge. Torey played a significant role in Scott’s life. He not only coached the boys but encouraged them to be well rounded, confident individuals.
There was a closeness in the group of parents from the team. We all supported and respected Torey and Sharon. When the gym was being built, we all pitched in to help in any way we could.
Torey and Sharon created an atmosphere of respect and friendship.
Torey will be missed by all.

Torey was a childhood friend who I always looked up to and respected. He was my older brothers friend but would love tagging around with them when I was allowed. A lot of football games in the backyard , with Torey showing off his gymnastic talents even as a young child , performing back handstand, backflips. I remember one incident where he messed up his knee and his kneecap was sitting on the side of his leg . He was in so much pain and then Tracy , his older brother arrived and somehow put his kneecap back in position. I always envied going to his parents home because of the trampoline And rings in the backyard and their bedroom was filled with gym mats. I also envied his green 1968 Mustang with white stripes that my uncle painted for him. In 75 when he graduated , I was reading his comment to my brother in the yearbook. It was something about he would always be there for my brother , even just to talk and left his phone number. It shows you his character, even as a young man. In 82 when I arrived home from the Air Force, Torey was instrumental and getting me a job at the community mental health center , Affiliated with Buffalo General Hospital. We worked  many years there together on the night shift. I always was amazed at how Torry could communicate and be so passionate toward his patients.. I remember one incident where Torry made a bet with a patient that he could do a backflip and land on his feet right in the day room. Sure enough he did this with the amazement of Patients and staff members watching him. I often wondered where Torry got his ambition, working endlessly every night on crunching numbers and working on his dream of starting his own gymnasium. Torey had a heart of gold and he will be missed by many . My condolences to Sharon and TJ and family.

To Sharon and the Hirsch Family, 

We just found out about the passing of Torey.  You both were great neighbors and very nice to our kids    when we lived there. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.

The Gegenfurtner’s
Greg, Lucinda, Ashley, Gregory, Joey & Aero

Torey always knew how to make a great impact in someone's life. My favorite memory of him is when he was going through his stuff in his office at Greater Buffalo Gymnastics and he comes over to me with this awesome looking vase in his hand. He said that it just reminded him of me and said I can keep it. For a few weeks I had this vase on my desk until one day he comes in saying that he has something else for me. He pulls this flower out from behind him with a big grin on his face and says, "I saw that vase on your desk every week and it just looked so empty, so I got you this. Now it won't be empty anymore." With that he helped snip the stem to a good size and I've had it ever since. Even today I have it on my nightstand. 
I'll never forget what he told me, "you just gotta find the right people who care about you and want to support your dreams to fall back on." Little did he know that he not only created the place where I found these people, but he was one too. Rest in peace Torey, you will be missed greatly.

Torey Hirsch
September 14, 2024 



                  To the family of Torey Hirsch---a profound sadness, the news of the passing of Torey. I have known Torey since I left North Buffalo and moved to Williamsville
in 1969----and we went to Heim Middle School, and then Williamsville North, together. We ran track for 4 years.  Torey was a field man, pole vaulter. Torey must have had Mr. Day in grammar school also, to start him on his tumbling. 

                 Occasionally, when I was outside working, Torey would come by in his large 4-wheel-drive truck on the way home, and “beep” hello to me. Sometime stopping off, we would reminisce, or he would tell me about his late daughter Jackie, or his son's business. Torey knew I was interested in cars. Our home was near his home.

                  At Williamsville North, most of Torey's free time was in the gym with Mr. Day. Torey became a real ambassador of the field of Gymnastics, when it was relatively unheard of. 

                   While at the Buffalo News, my wife wrote Jackie's obituary.

It's been an honor to have known Torey Hirsch, what a nice, helpful and talented guy. He'll always be tumbling in our hearts.

                       Ron & Louise Continelli-Berke

It is hard to describe how much Torey meant to me and so many others whose, with just words. Torey was a great man who has accomplished amazing things but some of the most amazing things pale in comparison to the love he held for his family and all those around him. He has been a role model and mentor to me ever since I stepped foot in Greater Buffalo and it’s obvious that I wouldn’t be the man I am today without him. He was always able to bring out the best in everyone around him and I know I speak for everyone at Greater Buffalo that his legacy lives on though us and the countless lives he has touched. I will never forget all of the amazing things he has thought me and all of the priceless memories I have made with him. I will always remember his smile as he walked in the gym to greet us, I will remember the long car rides to meets when he would tell us cray stories of the places he has been to, I will remember how before every single competition he would shake our hands and say “Good luck men” even though we were probably 10 year olds at the time, I will remember every time we did something we weren’t supposed to and he would just chuckle and shake his head before explaining to us why it was a bad idea. Although words aren’t quite enough to show what he meant to us the place in my heart is, and it is a place he will have forever.

We met on the bus to kindergarden. No matter the amount of time that passed over the years, we always made time to see each other when I was in town. Even for just a few minutes...or a quick photo. My first forever friend, you will be missed every day.

From announcing at my first show week to taking me to nationals, Torey has had such a positive impact on my life. I am forever grateful for the life lessons and for the support he has given me over the years. I can’t even put into words how thankful I am to have been able to know such an amazing person.

I am grateful for a lifetime friendship with Torey.  It started at the Turners gymnasium with your older brother Tracy.  Our parents were great friends with each other and our best advocates.

Thanks for the memories of tower and cliff diving at Sherkston's quarry.

We shared many gymnastics competitions and exhibitions.  In high school Torey was state champion in vaulting.  It has been said that his hecht vault was so cleanly executed there were no deductions for the judges to make. 

I have the deepest admiration for Torey and Sharon for giving back to their sport.  One has to also admire this couple for turning tragedy into triumph by creating a foundation in the memory of their beloved daughter, Jacquie.  

Torey had a gift to speak.  He was articulate, charming and funny.  

I have always valued our friendship.  You will be truly missed by so many.  Thanks for giving back to the community and making the world a better place.

Dear Sharon,
I am so sorry to hear about Torey's passing. Wishing you the love of friends and family, strength to face each day and warm memories to forever hold on to.

I will be forever grateful for the lasting impact Torey had on my life. From starting gymnastics at a young age, Torey made it a priority to teach his gymnasts not only gymnastics, but also invaluable life lessons. He cared about us as if we were his own children. Thank you for always reminding me the importance of "working hard" and "playing hard." Like so many others, Torey was a father figure in my life and has truly shaped me into the person I am today. The gym Sharon and Torey created was a second home to everyone that had the honor to pass through its doors. I am so lucky to have known you and will miss you forever!

Sending love and comfort to Sharon, TJ, Amanda, and the rest of the family. 

With Love, 
Caila Wagar

Torey, has touched so many lives. His words of wisdom and inspiration that he gave to, not only his gymnasts, but everyone that knew him will live on.  The past 9 years at Greater Buffalo has been a second home for Abbey.  She will always remember the times you coached her through a difficult skill or challenging her to face her fears.  We will always hold you deep in our hearts. 

With Love, 
The Felmet Family

Torey will be deeply missed. I will always remember the many life lessons and values he taught me as well as all of the fun times, often resulting in hours of laughter and smiles. As many have mentioned, he was a true father figure, consistently having a positive influence on my life and those of so many others. I feel so lucky to have known him. Thank you for the community of gymnasts/friends/family that you built and welcomed us all into with open arms. 

Sending my deepest condolences and love to Sharon, TJ and the rest of the family during this difficult time. 

Love, 
Adriana

So sorry to learn of Torey's passing. My condolences, thoughts and prayers with Sharon, Tracey and family and friends.

Hirsch family-
Sending love and prayers to your whole family during this time. His smile, kind words, and silly jokes will live on Forever. Thank you for having such an impact on  your community and in my life.

Dear Sharon,
I am so sorry to hear about Torey's passing.  My deepest condolences to you and your family.

Sincerely,
Christa Greenberg

I am so sad to read this. I will always remember Torey as the “boys” coach when I was a gymnast at Niagara Gymnastics. He was an amazing coach and a wonderful father and person. I was so happy he and Sharon were able to follow thier dreams and open up their own Gymnastics gym, they worked so hard for it. I vividly remember him coming to the door of my house with a petition to sign to open up their gym around the corner: unfortunately I was too old and long gone before it opened. I saw him a few years back at my daughter’s gymnastics meet in Charleston. He will be greatly missed! God bless Sharon and TJ.

Sending all our love from your friends and other family at Tony Martin awards. You are forever enshrined in the tapestry of our business and in our hearts forever .  Love to your beautiful family here and in Heaven. Remembering Jacquie forever too

Torey was such an amazing influence and positive figure in my life growing up. Any body who was at the gym can agree with me. He always wanted to best for everybody and made sure that he could help in anyway that he could. 
I remember being a young gymnast and having a mental block on vault, for YEARS. Torey would print me out various articles and help walk me through what i needed to do in order to get over that mental block.  
His gentle nature is something that I think about all the time. Never did I ever see him in a bad mood, even when all the girls were! I remember throwing one of my first ever flyaways with him spotting me. His smile and a high-five always there to congratulate you after completing a skill.  
I don’t think that Torey met a person that he didn’t leave a profound impact on. I even wrote my final project in public speaking about him. He is genuinely one of the greatest people I have had the pleasure of knowing and i’m confident that he’ll continue to touch peoples lives even after he’s gone. 
I love you Torey💜💚

Thank you so much Torey for your years of guidance, leadership, and passion that you provided my son Matthew.  
You will truly be missed and I’ll forever have your smile and positive attitude to remember you by.

I am heartbroken to hear of Torey’s passing. Torey was an incredible husband, father, coach, son, brother, grandpa, friend, and mentor. 

Torey stood in the gap in my life for years while he was my coach at Stumpf’s. He was not only a fantastic coach (teammate Steve Radt and I would see each other years later as NCAA qualifiers), but he really did serve as a father figure to us gymnasts even before he became a wonderful father to TJ and Jacquie. Despite tumult he faced at times in his own life—working nights at the State Hospital and coaching during the day—he stood as an anchor of stability for those around him, an absolute rock. 

I remember when he borrowed Curt Wenner’s VW van and drove a handful of us gymnasts to a meet in Ohio on a snowy weekend. While contemplating what would come of our trip home on the icy Ohio and New York roads….there was Torey steady at the wheel getting us back safely. 

I also have fond memories of “Tor 1”—the license plate on his older model Z28 in those days. The journey from trying to just keep “Tor 1” running to his expanded fleet of wonderful collectible cars is another illustration of how Torey repeatedly overcame adversity and setbacks. 

I know that Torey is in a better place and that he and Jacquie are joyfully working together, pleading with God to bring good to all of us still here. 

God Bless you Torey. Rest in peace.

Thank you Torey for the 30+ years of family, friendship, and mentorship.  You were a guiding light and a generous and good man.  I love you ❤️

Sharon, TJ, and Amanda my thoughts are with you and I am sending love.❤️

Sharon.  We are so very sorry to hear about Torey's passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Sandie and Mario Tonellato

From starting gymnastics at the age of 5, and meeting you as my first ever coach, I knew right away how special you and your family was. From being in the gym 30 plus hours a week for 15 years, I came across an amazing coach, role model, and a "father" like figure who helped me through so many milestones.
You were always there for us. From spending every day in the gym with you, going to every competition, and spending time outside of the gym like our trips in your super cool cars to Nina's to get ice cream is something I will cherish and be forever grateful for. Your dream to "believe" and honor Jacquie while also fighting for a cure for cancer was truly inspiring. Your love for giving back to others was truly so special and made me really believe. You will be so greatly missed, and I love you Torey.💜

May our Lord bless Torey who was an amazing, compassionate man. He took the time with our kids at the gym to be kind, considerate and patient. Much of the good qualities that they learned from him will carry on for generations. He will be greatly missed, however, his spirit will live on all of those he has touched. What a beautiful selfless inspiring life. 
Torey, you were loved by so many… May your love for others continue to make this world a better place.

I wouldn’t be who I am today without Torey’s impact on my child- and early adulthood, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Torey will be missed terribly by the Taylor family 💜🤍

We are so saddened to hear of Torey's passing.  Our daughter spent more time at the gym than at home during her gymnastic years at greater Buffalo- Torey was like another father to her .  His kindness, gentle demeanor, and caring ways will never be forgotten.  Sharon- we are sending our prayers and love to you and all of your family.

It was a privilege to know Torey. Torey was an inspiration to me and so many others. He taught me how to overcome adversity and obstacles in the best way possible. I have become a better gymnast because of Torey, and more importantly a better person. His impact on me will live forever and I will always remember him as a source of strength, courage, and kindness. Rest in peace, Torey.

OBITUARY

Torey L. Hirsch

January 2, 1957 – September 9, 2024

Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home

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