Joseph James Torpey
December 9, 1928 ~ December 27, 2024
Born in:
Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York
Resided in:
Pueblo, Colorado
Joseph James Torpey passed away on December 27, 2024 at the age of 96. Joe, as he was known by most, was born in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York on November 9, 1928. He was a graduate of James Madison High School in Brooklyn before signing a major league baseball contract with the legendary Branch Rickey and the Brooklyn Dodgers. It was baseball that brought Joe to Pueblo where he was a member of the 1949 Pueblo Dodgers and where he met the love of his life Marilee Cook. They were married in 1950 at La Grave Field along with several of his teammates from the Fort Worth Cats in front of the largest crowd ever to witness a wedding ceremony in the State of Texas.
After his baseball career ended and the births of Mike and Melanie, Joe and Marilee moved to Gunnison where they finished their educations at Western State College (now Western Colorado University). While attending Western, Joe was the head baseball coach and helped with the football program. After graduation, the Torpeys returned to Pueblo where Joe and Marilee began their teaching careers. Joe spent most of his career at Freed Junior High teaching mathematics until his retirement.
Joe was an avid golfer who won multiple Pueblo Senior Championships. In later years, he was a semi permanent fixture at Elmwood Golf Course in City Park where he was known by many for having a friendly personality and great sense of humor.
After 69 years of marriage, Marilee preceded Joe in death, passing away in 2019. Joe is survived by his children Michael (Peggy) of Pueblo and Melanie (John McCarthy) of Gunnison.
Out of respect for Joe’s wishes, there will be no service at this time.
I was lucky to be part of the Freed Middle School Mathematics department from 1973-1979. Joe was extremely nice to work with. In the spring of 1979, I would open the windows in Joe’s classroom early every morning to capture the cool morning air. At the end of the that school year, Joe got to school before I did one morning and he left me a violet to thank me. During my years off from classroom
teaching, I would see Joe riding his bike around the south side. We’d talk a minute and continue on our ways. My favorite Joe memory was when I walked into Osco with young son. Joe asked my son when he would be a big brother. I answered, soon. I had just received confirmation of my 2nd pregnancy. Joe was the first person I told.
To The Torpey Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Joe was a great neighbor! Always had a smile on his face. He played catch with our grandson and also rode his bike around the cul-de-sac with us. he will always have a
place in our hearts.
The Snyder Family
Dave Dudley- Joe was such a gentleman. My brother Don and I just went to see him a couple months ago before Don gave a talk at the Pueblo Historical Society on the Pueblo Dodgers and minor league baseball. RIP
I’m so sorry for your loss. I loved your parents and miss them immensely. Our trip to Sheepshead Bay was one of the highlights of my life and I will never forget it!
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. You know that I am available if you need anything.
Love, love, love,
Anne
Mike, Peggy, Mel and John,
Thinking of you all.
Sincerely, Patty
Mike and Peggy, Margy and I are sorry for your loss. Remember the good times
with your father! Lou