Thomas J. Torch

Thomas J. Torch, 60, of Utica, Ohio, formerly of Dennison, died on Sunday, August 7, 2011 after a lengthy illness. Tom was blessed to enjoy the past two years of his life after being the recipient of a transplanted heart, given by the ultimate generosity of another. Born August 20, 1950 in Dennison, he was a son of the late Frank Peter and Irene (Ross) Torch.

Tom was a resident of the Twin City area throughout his youth, was a graduate of Claymont High School in the class of 1968, and later furthered his education at Kent State University. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1972, spending two years of that time in Vietnam. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans, and was also a member of the American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Upon returning home from the service, he began his career as a plastics engineer, working for a variety of local manufacturing companies over the years. In his spare time, he loved painting, doing models, and tinkering on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He was a member of the Harley Owners’ Group and the American Motorcycle Association. A lover of animals, he was a supporter of the World Wildlife Foundation and his local Humane Society, and was especially devoted to his dear pet cats. He also supported a number of humanitarian causes, including sponsoring an underprivileged child in a third-world country. He was Catholic by faith.

Tom is survived by his sister, Shirley Torch of Uhrichsville; his brother, George (Alice) Torch of Dennison; a daughter, Angela (Erich) Ramseyer and their daughters, Kaylie, Kathryn and Sophia, of Utica; a daughter, Brandy (companion, Adam) Snyder and her sons, Alex and Drew, of Canton; dear nephews and nieces, David, Tim, Dawna, Karen, and Frank III; a number of great nieces and great nephews; and a host of friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Frank Torch Jr., and an infant sister, Louise Torch.

In keeping with his wishes, Tom has been cremated without a public visitation. A memorial service and celebration of his life, officiated by Rev. James Huston, will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 12, in the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home at Dennison. Family and friends may call at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Those wishing to honor Tom’s memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to LifeBank (a charity in support of organ donation), P.O. Box 73972, Cleveland, OH 44193-1316 and the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, 6895 Dover-Zoar Road, Dover, OH 44622.
R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Inc.
(740) 922-1970
www.lindseyfh.com