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1926 - 2012
 Dominic Peter Torlone
("Uncle D" and "Pops")
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.
Contributions welcome to Society of St. Vincent de Paul, American Cancer Society, International Association of Hospice and Palliative Care, St. Josephs Catholic Church.
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There are currently 19 condolences.
Cathy Midkiff
Friday January 27, 2012 at
7:25 PM
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I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Torlones passing. He was not only a staple of Our community, here in Huntington, but also to the students of HEHS. I know that I spent at least 2 days of the school week there for lunch, gathering with friends. Love and prayers for his family.
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Mary Elizabeth Reed
Thursday January 19, 2012 at
9:24 PM
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The Pennington girls will miss our
brother-in-law and all the funny
greetings,when we would telephone
our sister,Harriet. Thanks for the
memories!
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Penny Adkins
Thursday January 19, 2012 at
2:05 PM
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Penny, I am saddened to hear of Dominic's passing. I have thought of you both often. My prayers and thoughts are with your family. Thanks for helping make me the nurse I am today,
Love you, Penny A.
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Roy French
Monday January 16, 2012 at
11:41 AM
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I am saddened to hear of Dominic's passing. I enjoyed many conversations with Dominic while I was employed at Prime Copy Plus. I appreciated his outgoing personality, his contageous good humor and his promotion of traditional values. My condolences to all the family.
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Kelly Dick
Monday January 16, 2012 at
11:19 AM
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Although I did not know Mr. Torlone personally, I do know that he did many great things for Huntington and for St. Joe. My family and I are new to St. Joe and over the last few years, it seems Mr. Torlone's name was always attached to something wonderful. I pray that you all find peace in your grief.
David and Kelly Dick and family
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Connie Lobaldo Sorbilli
Sunday January 15, 2012 at
4:07 PM
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Mrs. Connie Lobaldo Sorbilli and family would like to extend our condolences and offer our prayers for Dominic Torlone and his family. May perpetual light shine upon him.
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Angela Elswick
Sunday January 15, 2012 at
3:50 PM
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Hello,
My name is Angela and I belong to Saint Joseph's Catholic Church. When I walked through the doors a year ago, I had NO idea what to expect! I was not Catholic! No one in my family was Catholic! Although I felt that I was being lead into the Church, I was scared! I walked in and sat in the back. I had no idea what to expect. I had NEVER seen a Mass before. In front of me sat an elderly man. He had this VERY worn Rosary that he held so gently in his hands. I found myself watching him. I was enraptured by his OBVIOUS love for these beads that he had undoubtedly prayed many times. This dear, gentle man with his well-worn Rosary beads made a lasting impact on my life. Being so scared and confused by the feelings that I was having about entering this mysterious, unknown world of the Catholic Church, watching this dear man with his beloved Rosary helped me to know that the call that I had received to come home to the Catholic Church was a gift that I need not fear. Throughout this year I have seen Mr. Torlone MANY times at Mass. I NEVER saw him without his Rosary! He always had it with him. He made such an impact on me, I now carry a Rosary with me everywhere I go. I shall miss seeing him with his beautiful, beloved Rosary. I am certain that he will pray many Rosaries from Heaven for all of us that were blessed to have been in his presence.
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Joe and Marjorie Martorella
Sunday January 15, 2012 at
6:55 AM
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Our deepest sympathy to the Louie and Alfred and the entire Torlone family as Dominic's passing saddens us and he will be greatly missed.
REQUIESCAT IN PACE!
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Marcia Booth
Sunday January 15, 2012 at
5:33 AM
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So sorry to hear about your loss. Dom will be missed.
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Kathy Wilson Slone
Saturday January 14, 2012 at
11:51 PM
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My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. He will be forever loved and missed.
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Linda Becker RN
Saturday January 14, 2012 at
9:34 PM
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I am very sad to hear of the passing of your precious husband and father. His kindness and joy for life will never be forgotten. May God be near to each of you now and in the days ahead.
Linda Becker RN SMMC CSD
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Dr. & Mrs. Fernando Dominguez
Saturday January 14, 2012 at
12:08 AM
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Our deepest condolances to the Torlone Family...the whole community will miss Domonic...May he rest in peace. From the Dominguez and Perez Family
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A.J. Misiti
Friday January 13, 2012 at
10:30 PM
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Uncle Dominic's Beckley nieces and nephews will miss him dearly. I'll never forget his standard greeting to me as a little boy - a firm pinch on my left cheek followed by a smart slap to the same!
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Carney Layne
Friday January 13, 2012 at
7:58 PM
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We have many good memories of Dominic! He was a family friend, interesting and compassionate. Our hearts go out to his family.
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Stanley A. Wood
Friday January 13, 2012 at
5:37 PM
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To Mr. Torlone's Family.
Although none of you know me, I want to say how sorry I am to hear of his death. I used to talk to him at the Kenova
McDonalds on Fridays when he would bring his wife to (get an estimate) at the beauty shop in Ceredo. He was a very interesting man who said what he thought. One could see the love in his eyes and voice when he talked. Whether it was about Logan, being Italian, his wife, the bakery, politics, etc. I have wondered the last few months if he was ill or what because I have not seen him. He will be missed. God Bless You All.
Sincerely, Stanley A. Wood, Kenova, W.Va.
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Terri Harris Shifflett
Friday January 13, 2012 at
11:35 AM
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I only met Mr Trolone one time, which was at the wedding of his daughter, Amy and my brother, Allen. I have never forgotten that meeting because Mr Trolone was so very nice and such an interesting man to talk with. He will always be in my heart. Everyone is in my prays.
Terri Harris Shifflett
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Chris Brisendine
Friday January 13, 2012 at
8:59 AM
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Dear Harriet and family, we were so sorry to hear of the loss of Dom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
--Your cousins in Arizona
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A Sweets Lover
Friday January 13, 2012 at
12:24 AM
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Torlone's was a favorite of my family. The name brings back good memories of Huntington. God bless.
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Nelly & Sergey Martirosov
Thursday January 12, 2012 at
6:29 PM
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Dear family members and friends, we present our condolences. Hard to believe that it happened to our beloved friend DOminic Torlone, We are with you at these tragic days.
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