Richard Diego Torrisi

Richard Diego Torrisi, (Dick) was born in New Brunswick NJ on July 15, 1933 to Angelo and Jennie Torrisi. He was 91 years old when he died peacefully at a South Carolina hospital on March 4, 2025.

Dick was predeceased by his sisters Patricia Hill and Mary Cole. He is survived by Madeleine, his loving wife of 64 years, his son Daniel and wife Maria of East Amwell, New Jersey, a daughter Carol and husband Steve of Dahlonega, Georgia, and son Robert and wife Lora of Summerville, South Carolina. Dick is also survived by four grandchildren, Alexander and wife Annie of Branchburg, New Jersey, Justin and wife Kayla of Summerville, South Carolina, Nicholas and wife Samantha of Hamilton, New Jersey, Jacob of Herndon, Virginia and one great grandchild, Robert Justin Torrisi.

After living in Middlesex County, New Jersey most of their life, Dick and his wife had relocated to South Carolina.

Dick joined the Army during the Korean War after graduating from St. Peter’s High School. Throughout his service, he was fortunate enough to be assigned to the First Army band where he was able to play music, his lifelong passion. After attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant and completion of his army duty, he graduated from New York University, married, and started a family. Dick taught music and became Band Director at Carteret High school, devoting his working life to teaching music while also being a working musician.

His life was loving his family, teaching, playing and listening to music. He shared his talents with all, being part of university and community bands. His smile was wonderful and he was loved by all.

There will be a committal service/burial on Saturday June 28, 2025, 11:00am at Van Liew Cemetery, 585 Georges Rd., North Brunswick, NJ. A celebration of life will follow with family, friends and friends of family invited to attend.

We are thankful for memories for comfort, family and friends for support, and faith and prayer to ease sadness.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Mr. Holland’s Opus foundation. Keeping music alive in our schools. https://mhopus.org/donate/