OBITUARY
Luigi Torchia
November 3, 1933 – January 20, 2021
IN LOVING MEMORY OF LUIGI TORCHIA
November 3, 1933 - January 20, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Luigi Torchia.
Luigi was born to Anna and Gabriele Torchia in Amato, Catanzaro, Italy, where at a very early age he began farming his family's land. At the age of 18 he went into the Italian military and became an expert marksman. There he made many friends.
In 1959, Luigi immigrated to Canada to reunite with his fiancée, Giulia, in Kamloops. They were married later that year on September 12th. Soon after, their daughters, Anna and Tina, were born. He was later blessed with four granddaughters, two grandsons and four great-grandchildren. Luigi made a living working at the CP Railroad, Balco Industries, Tranquille School and Ponderosa Lodge. Along the way Luigi made many lifelong friendships.
Luigi and Giulia played an important role in sponsoring numerous family members to immigrate to Canada from Italy to reunite the family.
Luigi's past times included making his delicious homemade wine, along with some good, hot capocollo and sausages, and sharing them with family and friends. His other passion was gardening. He twice received the award for the best vegetable garden presented to him by Mr. Cooper from the Kamloops Garden Club. Dad and Mom were so proud to have won this award.
Luigi was proud to be a member of the Colombo Lodge. There, he dedicated his time to organizing and setting up tables for various events. Luigi and Giulia were supporters of many functions at the Colombo Lodge.
Luigi and Giulia religiously attended Our Lady of Perpetual Church, where Luigi volunteered as an usher at the 8:30 a.m. mass. They were involved with the yearly celebrations of their patron saint of Amato, San Francesco di Paola. As a tradition with this saint, Luigi, along with other members of the church, carried the statue in a procession around the streets of the church.
He was predeceased by the love of his life, Giulia, his parents Anna and Gabriele Torchia, his older infant brother Luigi, his sisters and brothers-in-law Carolina and Francesco Lucia, Giuseppina and Francesco Scalise, and also his brother-in-law from Argentina, Giuseppe Scalise. It was a great loss for Luigi when his infant grandson, Adam, passed away.
He was also predeceased by numerous relatives in Italy.
He is survived by his daughters Anna (Nito) Scalise and Tina (Stephan) Rebs, granddaughters, Mariette Scalise, Julie (Martin) Tuba, Antonietta (Peter) Mercuri, Gina Scalise (fiancé Kuda Gwandekwande), grandson, Paul Rebs, and great-grandchildren Giovanna and Nito Mercuri, and Bowen and Paxton Tuba. He is also survived by his loving sisters and brothers-in-law Serafina (Antonio) Spada, Isabella Scalise, Franca (Luigi) Comita, Maria (Mike) Ilic, and his brother and sister-in-law Giuseppe (Lina) Torchia and numerous nephews and nieces. Let us not forget his travelling companions, nephews Dominic (Gina) and Gabe (Concetta) Lucia, whom Dad and mom enjoyed many cruise ship vacations with. Cheers and Salute.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Cattaneo, and the staff on 7 North for taking care of our father.
Due to Covid restrictions, a funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help for the immediate family only. However, we do ask those who knew Luigi to keep him and the family in their prayers and remember him for the great wine maker and gardener that he was.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Luigi's honour to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation.
We encourage friends and family that cannot attend the service to send condolences, notes and love to the family by visiting www.schoeningfuneralservice.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Services 250-374-1454
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Luigi Torchia
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYFranca Cinel
February 4, 2021
Luigi was a kind and valued member of our Italian community who will be sadly missed. Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. From Comare Franca, the Cinel and O'Fee Families.
Chris Ficocelli
February 2, 2021
I wish to express my condolenses for Luigi Torcia. I worked with him at the Tranquille Institution. I found him very easy to relate to and to be a dedicated worker. I wish that I was able to attend the funeral mass.
Chris Ficocelli
2165 Crescent Drive
Kamloops, B. C.
Leah Wilk (Schimpf)
February 2, 2021
Our family is sending our heartfelt condolences to all of you. We have such great memories of both your parents & will cherish those wonderful memories always. I am so happy that i recently (around Christmas) got to have a nice visit with your Dad in Safeway. I also had a nice visit with your Mom & Dad in NuLeaf in early summer.
Our prayers will be with all of you at this time. Sincerely, Leah & Family❤
Brenda Rudy
January 30, 2021
Our deepest condolences to everyone in your dear family. We have so many fond memories of both your dad and mom. Luigi was such a sweet, kind man. We are so honoured to have known them and thankful that they allowed us a little glimpse into their life. Wishing you much love and strength at this time.
Our deepest regards from,
MaryAnn Saskiw and Darren, Brenda, Zac and Mia Rudy
Angelo Marasco
January 30, 2021
Our deepest condolences to the Torchia family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From Angelo and Erminia Marasco
Linda Bentz
January 30, 2021
My thoughts and regards go out to Luigi's family. I worked with Luigi at Ponderosa for many years. He was always a pleasant and thoughtfully kind person. A pleasure to work with.
God Bless him!
Fernando Guzzi
January 29, 2021
Sentitissimo cordoglio a tutti i familiari. Una preghiera per la sua anima benedetta. Fernando guzzi zio di Antonietta.
Carmine & Rosina Carpino
January 28, 2021
Dear Anna, Tina and Family,
Sending our most heartfelt condolences. Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed. May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead.
With Our Deepest Sympathy,
Carmine & Rosina Carpino and Family
Ralph and Maria Vecchio
January 27, 2021
We send our sincerest condolences to Luigi’s entire family. May he Rest In Peace. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Ralph and Maria Vecchio & Family
Vittorio Pagnotta
January 27, 2021
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. My thoughts are with you during this time.
Kristy de Jong
January 27, 2021
Our condolences on the passing of both Giulia and now Luigi. Both beautiful, giving people who will be missed. They welcomed my family into the family with open arms and without question, which I will never forget. Our visits over the years are precious memories.
Our prayers are with all of the family at this time.
Blessings,
Kristy, Dave, Jana, Caleb, and Carter
Mike and Sandy Carlucci
January 27, 2021
Sorry for your loss Mike and Sandy Carlucci
Rick Bjarnason
January 27, 2021
My condolences to the family, I sure am going to miss the old boy shared many bottles of his wine with the bread and cheese he was quite the singer when he was tending the garden and always had a smile on his face and his famous saying happy wife, happy life sure am going to miss you Luigi
Jackie Mathison
January 26, 2021
Sending my condolences to you and your family for the passing of your mom and dad. I remember them at family and church functions when I was younger.
Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Jackie Mathison (LoSchiavo)
Len and Dianne Keir
January 26, 2021
Len and I had the privilege of living next door to Luigi and Julia for seven years. I will never forget Luigi singing in the garden. They will remain forever in our hearts. You have our prayers, sincere condolences and our deepest sympathy. 🙏🙏🙏
Kathleen Dunn
January 25, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss, I worked with Luigi at Ponderosa and he always had a smile on his face. Thus always putting a smile on mine, he was a very caring man and will be truly missed
Nancy & Orest Martiniuk
January 25, 2021
I always would meet with your parents when they walked McArthur Island..I miss seeing them. We are sending our love to all the family and we hope your happy family memories will help to ease the pain. Thinking of you all. Love Nancy and Orest.
Nina and Frank Marchese
January 25, 2021
Our heart ❤️ felt condolences, go out to you Anna, Nito and family. Tina, Stephan and family. He was a nice man with a funny disposition and a ready smile. Always with a kind word and some funny sayings. You are all in our prayers and thoughts. May he Rest In Peace..with his beloved wife Julia. May all the wonderful memories help..give you all some peace as you go through, this difficult time💐.♥️💜♥️🌹
FILOMENA TORCHIA
January 25, 2021
Anna, Tina, and families,
I am saddened to hear of Luigi's
passing and I am truly sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories of your father and the love of family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead. My sympathy and condolences to all the families.💗
Filomena Torchia.
Victor and Maria Pagnotta
January 24, 2021
Anna, Tina and families.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all on the passing of your beloved father, nonno, and great nonno.
Luigi was such a thoughtful and caring man, always greeted you with a smile.
He will be forever missed by all.
Victor and I send our Heartfelt Condolences to you all.
May he Rest in Peace ❤️🙏