Peter Joseph Torrence

Beloved Brother

With profound love and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our sweet, beloved brother, Peter Joseph, who left this world on December 22, at the age of 61 for a heavenly reunion with our mom, Ann (Bonna) and dad, Gene. 

Born April 13, 1964, he faced life with challenges that required patience, understanding, and extra care. Through Peter’s gentle spirit and unique way of experiencing the world we learned unconditional love, patience, compassion, to slow down and celebrate simple moments. 

Peter loved life in the most genuine and joyful ways—he loved his music and had a wide variety of favorites from his patriotic salute in signing the National Anthem, any & all old time Christmas carols and cult classics like “You Are My Sunshine”. He loved karaoke nights at the kitchen table and randomly dancing with Maureen Ann in the Target checkout line.

He adored his Dr. Seuss books as demonstrated by his extensive library, most anything chocolate, a good cup of coffee, punctuality and nice shoes. Peter’s favorite and sometimes daily request was for a cheeseburger (ketchup only) Happy Meal and a Pepsi. 

Peter was a night owl who loved to watch Law & Order and Chicago Fire and would wait for the 11:00 news to make sure the weather was predicted to be “warm & sunny”. Once off to bed you could hear him praying to the angels and baby Jesus with a quick Father, Son Amen to close the prayer. He never managed to remember the Holy Spirit.

He welcomed all new friends and upon learning their names they became old friends. He would either kiss your hand or blow you a kiss and tell you he loved you and would miss you… his heart was pure. 

Peter was adamant about his nightly FaceTime calls to Maureen & Jason and accepted no excuses for failing to pick up his call the first time. If missed he would speed dial until you finally answered his call or called him back. He couldn’t rest until he badgered his pal Jason Hart Hart Hart, asked about every family members wellbeing, believed he convinced you to wear shorts the next day (regardless of the weather) and was assured you were taking Saturday & Sunday off.

We believe his greatest happiness came with his monthly, weekend vacations at Maureen’s house floating in the pool, supervising yard work, family BBQs, coffee with Gene or just sleeping late and lounging on a Sunday afternoon. 

Through all the medical, upside down life challenges Peter faced since March he wasn’t alone as he had daily visits from Maureen and nightly rotating dinner dates with Patricia, Gene, Erica and his favorite backup team of Robin & Keith which seemed not only to brighten his spirits and bolster his resolve but it also inspired others in their commitment in giving comfort and helping him achieve some health successes. 

Peter was determined as he tried every single day to get stronger and better. His daily efforts, courage and perseverance were nothing short of AMAZING!!!

He is survived by Patrica Mary (Keith) Koval, Maureen Ann (Jason Hart), Eugene Francis (Robin) Torrence, niece Sarah (Steven) Ethier, niece Alexa Jae (Brayden) Leopold, nephew Jake Michael Torrence, grand-nephews Carter & Jackson Ethier, Niece Erica Koval and other nieces & extended family.

He also shared a special bond with his life long friends from CW, his group home roommates and favorite staff who were not just co-workers, housemates or caregivers but family. The love, laughter, and sense of belonging they all shared will forever be part of his story.

Peter Joseph Torrence you will be lovingly remembered for your playful humor, your delight with simple pleasures that made life sweet and joyful spirit which we will carry forward in every song, every sunny day, every shared laugh and every blown kiss.

Rest peacefully, sweet boy. We love you. We miss you. 💙 

A service to celebrate our beautiful boy’s life will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Lyons Funeral Home, 46 High Street. Thomaston. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:00 am at ST. Thomas Church. Burial in St. Thomas Cemetery will be private. For or more information or to send notes of sympathy and comfort to Peter’s family please visit his tribute page at www.lyonsfuneralhome.com 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Morton’s Annual Fishing Derby C/O Jean and Sarah Morton, 287 Walnut Hill Rd. Thomaston, CT 06787