Worcester – Mr. Emanuel J. Tortorelli, 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at his home with his loving family by his side, following a courageous five year battle with cancer.
Born on March 21, 1936 in Worcester, Massachusetts, Emanuel was a son of the late Emanuel and Isabella (Cavalieri) Tortorelli Sr. He was the loving husband of sixty years to the late Karen S. (Moe) Tortorelli whom he lost on March 5, 2019.
A lifelong resident and educated through the Worcester schools, Emanuel was a graduate of Commerce Boys and Girls Trade School. Upon graduation, he went to serve his country during the Korean Conflict enlisting in the Air Force.
Discharged in 1956, Emanuel returned to the States and opened an auto body shop which he owned and operated for many years. He worked over the last several years at Duddie Ford in the auto repair shop up until his retirement.
He was a car enthusiast, loving to build, repair, and restore antique cars. He proudly displayed his works at Greenhill Park with the Friday Night Cruisers.
Emanuel was predeceased by his daughter, Lorna Tortorelli Holm and her husband Roger Holm, and his siblings, Michael Tortorelli, Corinda Powers and Maria Blanchard.
He is survived by his daughter, Lori Roche and her husband Mark, his son, Stephen Tortorelli and his wife Barbara, his eleven grandchildren, Megan, Michael, and John Roche; Todd, Thomas, Roger, Rachael, and Sarah Holm; Samantha, Jillian, and Anthony Tortorelli; his nine great grandchildren, Alana, C.J., Audrey, Colby, Skylar, Scarlet, Nolan, Chase, and Clayton; also many nieces and nephews.
A private funeral service will be held at Fazio Funeral Home on Monday, March 27, 2023. Interment will be in Worcester County Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VNA Hospice Care, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, Ma 01601. Please note that your gift is in memory of Emanuel J. Tortorelli. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Louis M. Fazio III, funeral director. Please visit www.faziofuneralhome.com to express your condolences or directions.