Obituary

Dominic Peter Torlone
(April 7, 1926 - January 9, 2012)

After a brief struggle with cancer, Dominic Peter Torlone died peacefully on January 9, 2012, loved and surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Carmela Maria Torlone, and his sister, Elizabeth Fischer. He is survived by his wife, Harriet Pennington Torlone; four children, Amy Harris, Lisa Koch, Mark Torlone and Beth Sigall; brothers Louie Torlone and Alfred Torlone; ten grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was 85 years old.  Born in Logan, West Virginia on April 7, 1926, Dominic lived in Huntington, West Virginia his entire adult life. He was the long-time co-owner and operator of Torlone's Community Bakery, along with his brothers, Louie and Alfred. Torlone's Bakery was a staple of the Huntington community for nearly 50 years; Dominic could be found there every day welcoming customers with his friendly smile and jovial conversation either in English or his favorite Italian. He and his brothers retired from the bakery in 1995.  Dominic graduated from Don Bosco College in Newton, New Jersey in 1952. He married Harriet Beecher Pennington on December 29, 1958, and remained a devoted husband for 53 years. He was a proud father and a beloved grandfather who adored his children and grandchildren; conversations with Dominic inevitably led to hearing stories about them.  Dominic was active in numerous charitable and professional organizations, including Knights of Columbus where he was a Fourth Degree Knight, the St. Vincent de Paul Society where he served as a national officer, the John Carroll Society, and the Salvation Army. Dominic remained active in his parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church, his entire life, serving on the parish council, and also as a regular reader, cantor and usher at weekly mass. He frequently attended daily mass, and could always be counted on to assist the church whenever needed. He will be missed by clergy and the faithful. In addition to his formal acts of charity and good works, Dominic consistently gave back to his community with countless acts of kindness and compassion both large and small, such as donating baked goods to local churches or charities, sponsoring school fundraisers, and praying with the sick in hospitals and nursing homes. He exemplified the decency and strong citizenship of his generation. He was driven by a boundless commitment to family and faith. Dominic embraced the Huntington community, and remained devoted to it until his death. In addition to his professional, family and charitable commitments, Dominic had countless passions in life. He embraced his Italian heritage with great zeal, and could frequently be heard conversing with his mother in Italian, or singing traditional Italian songs. He was never known to refuse a plate of meatballs with marinara sauce. Dominic traveled to Italy in 1995 and 1997 with his son, Mark; these visits were a cultural and spiritual homecoming for him. Dominic spent his life in the company of great books. He was an avid reader of history, and the consummate Civil War buff; he could recite practically every known fact from that era. He appreciated classical music, and could be found every Sunday listening to his favorite Vivaldi (while smoking his ever-present cigar). In summer he spent many hours in the backyard tending tomatoes in his garden. He followed political campaigns, and was active in local and state elections. He enjoyed sports, and was the starting pitcher on a men's softball team for many years. As the father of four graduates of Duke University, Dominic always made sure to watch the Blue Devils play basketball on television while wearing his signature Duke baseball cap. Dominic loved life, and lived it with a contagious joy that made everyone around him happy. His enthusiasm for and love of mankind knew no limits. His devotion to his family was worthy in every respect. He will be missed by all.  Visitation will be held in Huntington on Sunday, January 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Reger Funeral Home. Funeral liturgy will be conducted on Monday, January 16 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church.