Michael C. Tornillo

Michael C. Tornillo, age 98 years, of Easton, PA, died peacefully on Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Abington Manor at Morgan Hill, Easton, PA.

Born in Orange, NJ, January 30, 1922, son of the late Emma Palmeri Tornillo and James Vincent “Jimmy the Mandolin Player” Tornillo, he was devoted to his parents and loved them unconditionally.

The fourth of six children, he was the last surviving member of the Tornillo siblings, having been preceded in death by Patsy, Tommy, James Jr., Dolly, and John. James Jr. was killed in action during World War II while serving in the United States Navy, a fact that Michael never forgot and always honored.

Growing up in South Orange, NJ during the depression era did not leave much opportunity for Michael, so immediately after high school he followed his older siblings into service by joining the United States Navy. Honorably discharged in 1945 after faithfully serving, he returned home to his first young son, Thomas David, and young bride, Mary Doris Cortese, whom he married in September 29, 1944 while on leave.

Upon his arrival at home, he and Doris purchased a lot of land next to her parents in Brielle, NJ, and built their first home. He would take his selective service exam and join the United States Postal Service, serving his entire career in Brielle as a letter carrier, and also served for several years as Postmaster. His average route was a fourteen mile a day walk, a habit that carried him well into his mid 90’s, when he still was walking an average of four miles a day.

Thomas would be followed by another son, Mark, in 1954, and Michael loved to be a “Dad” to his boys. He was a true provider, ensuring his family had anything and everything. His generosity carried forward with his grandchildren when he earned the title of ‘Grandpa’, a title which he truly loved.

Retiring from the USPS, the couple moved to Manchester, NJ where he and Doris enjoyed each other until her passing in 1989. Her death greatly affected Michael, and though he loved life, he longed for the day the two would be reunited.

Michael had many hobbies, including bowling and spending time at the beach. He also enjoyed gambling in Atlantic City and dancing, being well-known for his ability to make the ‘Peabody’ look easy.

In addition to his wife, Doris, he was also preceded in death by his oldest son, Thomas David Tornillo in 1992 as well as his grandson, Michael Tyler Tornillo in August of this year.

Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Mark Alan and Cheryl Polakowski Tornillo; his granddaughter and her partner, Nicole Lynette Kish and Matt Sepesi; his newborn great grandson, Nate Marcus Sepesi; and numerous extended family and friends.

Graveside burial at at St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery, Lakewood, NJ, was private under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Please visit Michael’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a scholarship fund for his newborn grad grandson, Nate. This is the same fund that was used to honor his grandson, Mike, who passed in August. Please click HERE to be taken to his personal and secure donation page. For those who wish to mail in a contribution, please do so by making a check payable to ‘In Memory Of’, noting ‘Michael C. Tornillo’ in the memo, and mailing to: In Memory Of, P.O. Box 5472, Charlottesville, VA 22905.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”