Obituary: Anthony ‘Tony’ R. Torino, 72, Of Northford

NORTHFORD, CT — (From B.C. Bailey Funeral Home): Anthony (Tony) R. Torino, 72, departed this life on February 8, 2024 at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Laura (Onofrio) Torino. Anthony was born in New Haven, CT on May 16, 1951 to the late Francis and Louise (Polino) Torino.

Tony was the epitome of a family man and business owner. He was married for 51 years to the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Laura. He was an incredible father to Christine, Steven and Cheryl, and amazing Pop to Gavin, Mason, Charlotte and Juliette. The love for his 3 children and 4 grandchildren was unwavering.

Tony was a loving brother, uncle, brother-in-law, cousin, friend, coach, and boss to many. He was known to many others as their second dad. He was well known for proudly running and operating Torino Services LLC for over 40 years. A man of honor, integrity, loyalty, and devotion, he is remembered for his story telling and always keeping his word.

To so many, he was simply known as Mr. T or Coach T. If you played for him, you heard his mantra "Refuse to lose, Never give up, and Failure is not an option." And if you knew him, you knew "Family is everything."

You would see him daily in the center of Northford at the gas station, Dunkin, or driving around town in his truck. Aside from running the family business, he would spend his free time at the rink or at the field watching his children and grandchildren play the sports they loved, with a coffee in hand. The unwavering support he showed their teams was endless. He coached all 3 of his children in any sport they were involved in.

He was best known for his role as assistant field hockey coach for 17 years at North Branford High School alongside his buddy, Babby Nuhn. In 2009, he was honored with Assistant Coach of the Year.

Tony was available at all hours of the day and night to give advice and was known for his stories and life lessons. All were welcome at his house whether it was for a cup coffee, or a place to stay with no questions asked. To him, the more the merrier.

He loved having a house full of family and friends, endless food, laughter with the kids running around. He loved his coffee, donuts, making chicken soup and sharing his recipes.

He was an avid supporter of many charities and organizations including the North Branford Police Department, Fire Department, and POCO Festival.

Tony grew up on Columbus Ave in New Haven, attended St. Anthony's grammar school, then Richard C. Lee High School. He graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from University of New Haven. Tony honorably served his country as a Military Police Officer from 1970- 1976. He was employed for many years by US Motors.

He would proudly discuss his engineering of Disney's Space Mountain and the Anheuser-Busch Factory.

Tony is survived by his wife Laura, his 3 children Christine (Ed) Gierla, Steven (Brittni) Torino, Cheryl (Zac) Canada and 4 beautiful grandchildren; Gavin, Mason, Charlotte and Juliette. Brothers Butch (Pearlene) Torino, Jeff Polino, Richard (Joyce) Polino and Alex (Karen) Polino. He is also survived and loved by so many cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. The amount of people who loved him, and whom he loved, is endless.

On behalf of the Torino, Gierla and Canada Families, a heartfelt thank you to the North Branford Community for their love and support during this difficult time. To our family and friends near and far, Tony would want nothing more than sharing stories and memories, while celebrating his life enjoying coffee and a donut.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Church of the Resurrection, 115 Pond Hill Rd. Wallingford. Military honors will be accorded immediately following Mass at the church. The family will receive visitors on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 S. Elm St. Wallingford. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. The B.C. Bailey Funeral Home of Wallingford, Connecticut has been entrusted with the arrangements.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit B.C. Bailey Funeral Home here.