Ralph Jon Tortorich, Sr., at the age of 79, passed away peacefully on Tuesday August 7, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family. Survived by his wife Marie Theriot Tortorich, three daughters Marie (Greg), Kathie, Debbie (Paul), two sons Ralph (Kayla) and Troy (Theresa); fourteen grandchildren Shannon (Bradley), Taylor, Bryce, Jessica (Omar), Stephanie, Katherine, Hannah, Matthew, John-Paul (Kellie), Ashlynn (Kai), Alexandra (Drew), Andrew (Mary-Kate), and Abbey; six great grandchildren Kyleigh, Gabriel, Addyson, Quinn, Riley, Gavin; two brothers Dave (Linda) and Glenn (Debbie) Tortorich; and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Dorothy Stock Tortorich and Marion Joseph Tortorich, sisters Mimi Bethancourt and Jackie Smith, brother Craig Tortorich Sr., and grandson Ben Galloway.
Born in New Orleans on July 1, 1939, Ralph wedded his lifetime sweetheart Marie Theriot on June 6, 1958, and together they fostered a loving relationship for 60 years. Ralph joined the Navy and served at Saufley Field in Pensacola, Florida. Ralph and Marie returned to New Orleans to raise their family in Lakeview. Ralph’s career started as a Radiologist at Mercy Hospital, then continued with Industrial Radiology at Boeing supporting the Saturn space program at the Michoud Facility. When the Space Shuttle program began, Ralph joined the Martin Marietta/Lockheed Martin team where he created and managed the Performance Enhancement department which supported manufacturing improvements, space flight awareness and various awards programs. Due to the success of his programs, NASA requested Ralph’s assistance with implementing the programs across multiple NASA sites. His extraordinary commitment to his work family and the NASA programs resulted in numerous awards. Ralph’s retirement involved an enriching environment which included family activities, wood working and fishing. He was a devoted Sacristan and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for St. Ann Catholic church. Ralph’s greatest enjoyment and achievement in life was his family and faith.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd., near Clearview Pkwy., in Metairie, LA on Saturday, August 11, 2018 from 9:00 AM until 11:30 AM. A Funeral Mass will follow at St. Ann Church, 3601 Transcontinental Drive in Metairie, LA at 12:00 noon. Interment will be in St. Louis Cemetery No. 3
In lieu of flowers the family requests masses or donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The family would like to thank Notre Dame Hospice for the love and support they provided. The online guestbook is available at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.
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