Thomas Emmett Torphy Jr.

Thomas Emmett Torphy, Jr., 83, passed away on Wednesday, August 22, 2012, at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints in Racine, WI.   Tom was born April 12, 1929, in Milwaukee, WI, son of the late Thomas Emmett Torphy, Sr. and Ann (nee: Curtin) Torphy. On Nov. 4, 1961, he was united in marriage to Delores “Dee” Bohen.

Tom graduated from Bay View High School in 1947. He attended UW-Madison, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering 1951 and a law degree in 1961. Tom also served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 – 1958, stationed in Japan. He then served in the Naval Reserve for 17 years.

Tom worked as a patent attorney at Walker Manufacturing in Racine, WI, from 1969 - '79 and Tenneco Automotive in Deerfield, IL, from 1979 - '94. He also proudly served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Rita’s Catholic Church for many years.

One of Tom’s passions was sailing. Over the years, he belonged to both the South Shore and Racine Yacht Clubs. He competed in (and won!) many sailing races. He also enjoyed golfing, gardening and spending time with family and friends. His sharp wit will be missed.

Tom is survived by his wife, Dee, and his much-loved daughters, Kathleen (Jeff) McMahon, Mary Torphy, Patricia (Norbert) Gedemer and Ruth (Sergio Mojica) Torphy. Also survived by his cherished grandchildren Therese Gedemer, Thomas Gedemer, Michael Rosquist, Megan Gedemer and Adam Rosquist.   Further survived by niece Amy Luettgen and husband James Maltz, children Liam, Kieran and Nora; brother-in-law Ismail Hoyi, children Maureen and Brian.  He was predeceased by his beloved son, Mike; infant brother, James; sister, Eileen Luettgen; brother-in-law, Bernard Luettgen; and sister, Kathleen Hoyi.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated  Monday, August 27, 2012, at 11 a.m. at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Ave., with Rev. Kevin Mullins O.S.A. officiating.  Interment with full military honors will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Sunday at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Monday at the church from 10 a.m.  until time of Mass at  11 a.m.   In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Health Care Network or Alzheimer’s Association.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888