Obituary of Gary Francis Torretti

Gary F. Torretti, 67, of State College, died Sunday, July 23, 2017, at Mt. Nittany Medical Center.

Born August 18, 1949, in Dubois, he was the son of the late William A. and Dorothy A. Polifko Torretti. On September 18, 1982 he married Valerie A. Pierce.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his mother, five siblings; Dennis Torretti and his wife Mary Kay of Lewisburg, Paula Myers and her husband Charles of Sterling, VA, Jim Torretti and his wife Terry Eckard of Westminster, MD, Bill Torretti and his wife Kat Alden of Spring Mills, and Mark Torretti and his wife Lynn of Lemont; and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved.

Gary graduated from Punxatawny Area High School in 1967. He received a Bachelor's Degree from Penn State in 1971. Gary worked in Sales for Nissan of State College, formerly Leitzinger Imports, for thirty-eight years before retiring in 2017. He also served for fourteen years in the PA Army National Guard.

He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Gary was a skilled guitar player, starting his musical career at the age of fifteen with the Swing Kay's and playing for various other bands throughout his life. His most noted and recent band he was a part of was Reckless Endangerment. He was a warm and devoted Godfather and Uncle to his nieces and nephews, spending time and mentoring them. Gary will be known for his sense of humor, wit, and his contagious smile.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 27, 2017 from 6-9 pm, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St. State College, PA.

Funeral will be Friday, July 28, 2017 at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 800 Westerly Pkwy, State College, PA 16801, with the Father Jonathan Dickson officiating.

Burial will be in Pine Hall Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Therapy Development Institute, 300 Technology Square, Suite 400, Cambridge, MA 02139, or www.als.net.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on facebook.