Mark David Torpey, 66, of Esmont, Virginia passed away on January 31, 2022 .


Mark was born on February 17, 1955 to James (Barry) Torpey and Dianne Dehel in Philadephia, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Mount Lebanon High School in 1973, he went on to study as an Electronics Technician at California Poly-Technical College.


After graduation, he worked as an electronics technician in a variety of establishments where he met many lifelong friends and went above and beyond in his industry. Mark was a jack of all trades as well. Many people have benefitted from his expertise in backyard mechanics. In 1977, he met Amy, and they wed in 1979, going on to have three children, Mary Elizabeth, John Nathaniel and Kevin Patrick Torpey. Mark and Amy are no longer married, however they continued to work together to raise their children and remained friends. 

 Anyone who knew Mark knew that he was the most loving father and friend a family could ask for. Mark was preceded in death by his father Barry "BeeBop" Torpey, his granddaughter Jaida Madison Tooley and his step-father Phillipp "PapPap Phil" Walsh. He is survived by his mother Dianne Walsh, his children Mary Torpey, John Torpey, Kevin Torpey, and his extended family Sarah Wightman, Dale 'JW' Wightman, Jason Davis, his grandson Aidan Johnson and great grandson Cyril Madison Robbins. He was the oldest of three siblings. He is survived by his sister Chris Krivoski, her husand Mark and their children Cole, and Dani and husband Benjamin and was preceded in death by their son, Corey.  He is survived by brother Kurt Torpey and his wife Andria and children Adam, Maylyn, Natalie, Matt and his children.  He is also survived by his step-siblings Ralph, Barbara and her husband Bill, Kelly, Phil and Gary.

Mark was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of John, Kevin, Mary, Mary's son, Aidan and Mary's partner Jason Davis and always tried his best to support them. Mark was very proud to say, "Dad to the rescue again". Mark instilled in his children an outstanding work ethic and an unwavering dedication to family and friends. Mark was the kind of person that would do anything to help his fellow man, whether he knew them or not. Mark was also a passionate about playing his guitars and drums and music in general, a variety of outdoor adventures, body building and mythology. Mark had an impressive jungle of plants in his home that he enjoyed bragging about. We like to think of him as a cactus guru. He could often be found caring for his vast variety of pets when he was home. He's always loved his pets and there was never a time that you would enter his home and not be greeted by a menagerie of pets. His dogs were like children to him. He is survived by his gangly rescue mutt, Vulcan and is predeceased by Mercury, Oaf, Mongo and Loki most recently. 

Some favorite memories of Mark from his family and friend's include Mary riding on the back of his motorcycle as a child first thing in the morning in her pajamas as well as a shared passion for rescuing animals. So many animals. John's favorite memories are the long conversations about life and the wisdom his father has passed on. Kevin enjoyed bonding with his father over a shared love of music, particularly stringed instruments. Aidan loved learning things from his grandfather and creating grand plans for upcoming projects as well as executing the details. They shared an affinity for swords and knives. Sarah's fondest memories certainly include 'snake hands' (Shel Silverstein's Boa Constrictor) and Mark's quite unique sense of humor. J.W.'s favorite is discussing cooking and family recipes and some of the family's distinct lack of ability to cook. Jason enjoyed bonfires, oyster cook outs and sampling various varieties of scotch. Friends of his children would often refer to Mark as Papa Cheech, due to his likeness of Cheech and his team dad spirit.

Mark was an amazing person and our lives are all much richer to have had him in ours. We encourage additional family friend's share their most cherished memories with Mark to share them and celebrate the life that he has lead.

 The family requests that in lieu of flowers, family and friends make a donation to the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org). 

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