Sep 07, 1936---Sep 28, 2024

Anthony Francis Torchia, 88, died peacefully at home on Saturday, September 28, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Tony was born on September 7, 1936, in Pittsburg, Kansas, to Frank and Dorothy Torchia. He grew up in Oswego, Kansas, and graduated from Oswego High School. Tony attended the University of Kansas and graduated from St. Benedict’s College. In 1959, he moved to the Kansas City area, where he lived for the remainder of his life.

Tony married Virginia Ann Perez on December 19, 1959. Despite a friend’s admonition that “you date Tony Torchia but you don’t marry Tony Torchia,”  Tony and Ginny lived a full and happy life until his passing. They enjoyed traveling, their condo at the Lake of the Ozarks and spending time with family and friends. Tony was an avid  fan of the Chiefs, Royals and KU basketball. He loved the outdoors, particularly fishing and hunting.

Tony worked in sales, and for 30 years of his life he worked as an independent insurance agent, owning his own agency, Torchia Insurance Center. He was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow from The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. He and Ginny also owned and operated Spittin’ Image, the antique photography business at Worlds of Fun until 1995. Because of his outstanding service and ethics, the relationship between him and his clients often turned into lifetime friendships. He will be missed dearly by both family and friends. 

In addition to Ginny, he is survived by his children, Dan (Laura), Mark (Jen) and Dana (Brad); eight grandchildren, Dillon (Anya), Phoebe (Pascal), Clay (Nichole), Deven (Zack), Anna, Cara, Liam, Logan; and his sister Kathy. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bob.

Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday, October 4, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish, Leawood, Kansas, 14251 Nall Ave., with the Funeral Mass following at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 9501 159th St, Overland Park, Kansas, followed by lunch at St Michael’s. 

In iieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the St. Luke’s Foundation, supporting the St. Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute.   https://give.saintlukeskc.org/give/488429/#!/donation/checkout
                                                                                                                                                                      



Condolences

Burton Huerter Oct 01, 2024

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Ginny and family, I am sorry to learn of Tony's death. I knew Tony when we were students at St. Benedict's College and then at church. May the Lord grant you PEACE and CUMFORT.

Allison Wood Oct 01, 2024

Family friend ,Raleigh ,North Carolina

Our dad, Jeff Wood, and Tony went all the way back to St Benedict days! Two sweeter men and dearer friends could not be found. Their daughters (Dana and I) grew up as friends and even ended up becoming sorority sisters at KU. As far back as I can remember anything, I can remember the Torchias and the deep and loving friendship between Tony and our dad. I know we are all grateful for Tony’s warm spirit and big heart, and all the love shared between our families over the years.

Julia Rippe Oct 01, 2024

Cousin ,Fort Lee ,New Jersey

So sorry for your loss. Tony was a great sweet person and I am happy I met him. God gives peace and strenght to the family. Love you all cousins. R.I.P.

Cheryl Daily Oct 01, 2024

worked together ,Olathe ,Kansas

Ginny, So sorry to hear this. Tony was a wonderful person. He will be missed very much. Hugs and prayers for all. Love, Cheryl Daily

Anita Ground Oct 01, 2024

Friend ,Fayetteville ,Tennessee

Ginny, I am so sad to hear of the passing of Tony. I know he will be missed! I keep the photos he and you took at my son’s birthday on my phone. Remember, the sun was setting when you held him. Tony took that picture. Although we live far away, know all of us have you and your family in our hearts. With love, Anita, Larry, Courtney, Eric, and Kit (Eric’s son). Sending you a virtual hug.

Benjamin Landrón Oct 01, 2024

Distance Cousin ,Jarvisburg ,North Carolina

Blessings to the Torchia family. Especially Ginny who shared her entire life with Tony. Wishing you all the Love and Strength in life to help you cope with your loss and grief.

The Romeos Oct 01, 2024

Dear family, we are so so sorry about Tony’s passing. 45 years ago I was very lucky when the Torchia family hosted me in their home as an international student. Their warmth, love and kindness made my stay in Overland Park, Kansas unforgettable starting a relationship that lasted all these years and is so cherished not only by myself but by my wife and our four children. When 26 years ago my two oldest kids aged 10 and 8 traveled by themselves from Argentina to California to visit family friends, we contacted Ginny and Tony to see if a visit was possible to get to know them, the rest of the family and to see where I had lived as a teenager. Not only did they receive them with open arms (in spite of the fact that they were so young and didn’t speak any English!) but were so loving and caring that automatically became their “grandparents from the US”. Then 11 years ago we were blessed with Ginny and Tony's visit in our new home in Alberta, Canada. They came with Maddy and John and what a delightful week we spent together! We have the most beautiful memories of that reunion, of taking them to the beautiful Rockies and of driving around trying to see moose for Tony! We will always remember Tony with much much love. R.I.P. Ginny, we send you all our love. Gabriel, Martha, Micky, Flo, Carolina and Paola

Cathy Paddock Barnett Oct 02, 2024

friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

What can I say about this most darling man- he and his beautiful wife were dear friends of my parents. I was very young when I first met them and I thought they were the most glamorous couple I had ever seen. They would come to my home for Bridge club parties with my parents, and they always took the time to come in and say good night to me. Years have flown by, recently they would come and see me in shows at the New Dinner Theatre. Their love and admiration for me was beyond what a parent tells their child, but I always felt that they were giving me a direct message from my parents . Tony would look into my eyes and say “do you know how proud your parents are of you right now?” He was a loving and honest man. He will be very missed. Rest in peace Tony.

Bruce Short Oct 02, 2024

Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

I was honored to be Tony’s primary care physician for all most three decades. Always a true gentleman with a good story or thought no matter how he felt. I got to know him through his wonderful wife Ginny who worked with me as my nurse for those many years. When I saw his name on my patient schedule, I felt an automatic warm smile on my face. Mary Jane and I, after I had to medically retire, would celebrate birthday’s or just meet to catch up with Tony and Ginny. We both will miss but always remember those wonderful times. Our sincere condolences. Bruce H. Short, MD

Steve and Tina Bowen Oct 04, 2024

Steve and I thought so much of Tony. He was such a very nice person and we are blessed to have had him as our insurance agent.

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Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church
Address:
14251 Nall Avenue
City:
Leawood
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66223
Date:
Oct 04, 2024
Time:
9:30 AM
Google Map:
Event:
Funeral Mass
Location:
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church
Address:
14251 Nall Avenue
City:
Leawood
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66223
Date:
Oct 04, 2024
Time:
10:30 AM
Google Map: