

It is with heavy hearts; we announce the passing of Thomas "Mark" Torbeck. A good, solid soul who left this world on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, after a brief illness. Born on December 28, 1962, in Providence, Rhode Island, and a longtime resident of Scranton, “Minooka” Pa., Mark graced the lives of all who crossed his path with his warmth, smile, resilience, and unwavering positivity. Mark was the beloved son of Clayton and Barbara Torbeck, who preceded him, along with his brother Kenneth and dear father-in-law and mentor, Frank Ruthkosky. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his surviving family: his three devoted sons, Eric, Kevin, (Daughter-in-law Ashley), and Ryan who were his pride and joy; his brothers William (Wife Kendra), David (Wife Beth), and Michael (Wife Cindy); his sister Carol; his loving fiance Marianne Perry; Ex-wife Donna Ruthkosky Reuther and his three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy; and countless nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Mark.
Educated at Scranton Tech, Mark embarked on a fulfilling 30-year career in construction, where he honed his skills and left his mark. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Torbeck's Modular Magic, a testament to his drive and dedication, which he successfully managed until moving to Coconut Creek, Fl in 2005 and his retirement in 2008 after gradually losing his sight to RP.
His beloved service dog and best friend of the last 12 years, Ezra, who truly guided him safely to live a life of independence, and unwavering loving support can now retire and live the rest of his life as a dog.
Mark was a man of many passions. An avid NASCAR fan, he never missed a race with family and friends, finding thrill and excitement in every lap. Yet, it was the warmth of the beach that truly captured his heart—a place where he could reflect, recharge and appreciate the beauty of life. Above all, Mark was a devoted family man, whose greatest joy came from spending time with his loved ones and imparting wisdom about life's journeys and unlimited stories.
In a life marked by challenges, Mark exemplified strength and grace. Losing his sight at the age of 45, he embraced this adversity with humor and resilience, often quipping, "Feel ya later!" with a hug that needed no words or “Can't wait to feel ya!” with the anticipation of the next time we'd reunite that would remind everyone of his indomitable spirit. Mark taught those around him about gratitude and the art of turning life's lemons into lemonade, facing every hardship with a smile and a lesson to be shared. Mark's presence was a gift to all who knew him. All along he was showing us how to not take this life for granted and to always end every parting with an “I love you”. His legacy of love, joy, laughter, and lessons will remain in our hearts forever.
Funeral Services will be held 9:30am, Friday, June 26, 2026 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 380 S. Federal Highway, Deerfield Beach Florida, 33441
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, July 3, 2026 from 4-7pm inside the Waldorf Park G.A.F., 13 Waldorf Lane, Scranton, PA, 18505
A special thank you to all the ICU Doctors and Nurses at HCA Florida Northwest Hospital and Chaplain Cathy Lauterhahn of VITAS Healthcare.
In Memory of Mark and of Ezra's invaluable service please send donations to: Guide Dogs for the Blind. P.O Box 3950 San Rafael, CA 94912-3950 or www.guidedogs.com
All donations are fully tax deductible.
DONATIONS
Guide Dogs for the BlindP.O. Box3950, San Rafael, California 94912-3950
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.18.0