Salvatore Torchia 78, most recently of Cold Spring, N.Y. and Ocala, Fla. and a former longtime resident of Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. died on Nov.23, 2013. He was born on April 14, 1935 to the late Frank and Rosa (nee Rotella) Torchia in Marcellinara, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy. He proudly served in the US Army. When Sal came from Calabria, Italy in 1947, he could not speak English and he could not swim. That did not stop Sal Torchia from developing an expertise in building pools or becoming a popular restaurateur. He was the owner of Coral Sea Pools and Torchia's Restaurant in Briarcliff. He built pools for Vic Taney Gyms, Jack LaLanne Health Clubs and Vertical Clubs in NYC. Sal Torchia had a split residence living in Ocala, Fla. in the winter and came back to Cold Spring, N.Y. for the spring and summer. Up until two months before his death Sal had never retired. He continued to work closely with his son Anthony Torchia with Coral Sea Pools helping him do what he loved to do more than anything in the world. Sitting in an excavator, smoking a cigar and moving earth to build a vision of a pool like no other. Sal is survived by his devoted wife, Chiarina (Claire) (nee D'Ambrosio) Torchia of Cold Spring, N.Y. and by his loving children, Anthony (Anna)Torchia of Ossining, N.Y. Angela (Joe) Raimo of Silver Spring, Fla., Elizabeth (Vito)Luongo of West Harrison, N.Y. and Sallyann (Ron) Droop of Hilton Head, S.C. one brother, Alfred (Christina) Torchia of Ocala, Fla. and three sisters, Maria Donato, Lidia Marcella and Angela Contini. Also survived by his eight cherished grandchildren, Christina, Melissa, Salvatore, Frank, Daniella, Samantha, Anthony and Valerie. and one great grandson, Cillian. Predeceased by his two brothers, Anthony and Victor and one sister, Giovanna. Sal also leaves behind his faithfull dog, Boo. Reposing, Hawthorne Funeral Home on Tuesday, 5-9 PM. Funeral Mass, St.Theresa's Church, Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. on Wednesday, 10 AM. Interment, Mt.Calvary Cemetery, Greenburgh, N.Y. In lieu of flowers donations to the American Lung Association would be appreciated.
HAWTHORNE FUNERAL HOME
21 West Stevens Ave.
Hawthorne, New York 10532
914-769-4404
Born in Marcellinara, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy on Apr. 14, 1935
Departed on Nov. 23, 2013 and resided in Briarcliff Manor, NY.
Visitation: Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Funeral Mass: Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013
10:00 am
Cemetery: Mount Calvary Cemetery