Luigi Torchia

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