Obituary of Roger John Torpie, Jr.

Roger John Torpie, Jr. was a man who lived life on his own terms. He was born in Woodside, NY on August 11, 1963. Roger’s mischief-loving reputation began shortly after they family moved to Bayside, NY, where he spent most of his childhood. He attended Holy Cross High School and graduated from Marist College. He sang in the college choir, performing at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC, and the Bahamas, a coincidence which in no way influenced his decision to join. Despite all his accolades, Roger made time to pursue his penchant for wild independence in different ways. Always a music lover, Roger saw many of the world’s most-beloved bands at a young age...and then snuck into their after-parties. In an attempt to quell his fearlessness, Roger was invited to spend a summer with family in Ireland. He returned a few short weeks later with glowing reviews from his cousins and stories of the wonderful shenanigans they got up to while there. The mission was decidedly unsuccessful. 

Roger spent weekends visiting his grandfather, Tommy Curran, with whom he was very close. Tommy assured Roger that when he died, he would try to help him win the lottery from heaven. Immediately upon Tommy’s passing, Roger won $20,000 from a radio station for calling when they didn’t play 20 songs in a row. He thoroughly and quickly enjoyed said winnings—in honor of his grandfather. He won so many contests in short succession, he had to give his friends’ names. He even hit 5 out of 6 lottery numbers—which Tommy no doubt helped make happen. 

Later in life, Roger moved to Texas for work. He embraced the Dallas lifestyle, returning to visit family in NY adorned with giant belt buckles, cowboy hats, and boots. He met and married Karen McMahon, a native of Lubbock, Texas. Together they relocated to New York for what seemed just a short enough time to welcome Vincent Dominic to the world, before settling in back where the yellow roses grow—Lewisville, Texas. 

An altar boy in his youth, Roger remained faithful throughout his life. He was active in his church community in Texas. He was also a leader in the Lewisville Boy Scouts, where his son, Vincent would go on to earn his Eagle Scout badge. He passed on his love of music to his Vincent, and together they enjoyed many memorable concerts. 

To all who knew him, Roger will be remembered for his compassion to those in need, and his love of a good time. After a short battle with cancer, he passed away on March 16, 2023, at his home in Lewisville, Texas with his family at his side. He was 59 years old. He leaves behind his son, Vincent Dominic Torpie; his mother, Patricia Torpie; his brother, Douglas Torpie; and sister, Kathryn Parker. He will be reunited with his namesake and father, Roger John Torpie and his brother, Andrew Thomas Torpie in peaceful repose. 

Friends and family are invited to share memories and celebrate Roger’s life on Wednesday March 29^th from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the John J. Fox Funeral Home, located at 2080 Boston Post Road Larchmont, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Roger on March 30^th at 10:00 AM at The Church of The Magdalene, 525 Bedford Road Sleepy Hollow, NY.  He will be laid to rest immediately following the Mass at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 West Stevens Ave. in Hawthorne, NY.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to one of two organizations close to Roger’s heart: 

Operation Kindness, a local no-kill animal shelter from where their good dog S’mores was adopted. 

The William J. Schmidt Scholarship Fund to Camp Dudley. Like his brothers and his son, Vincent, Roger attended Camp Dudley in the Adirondacks each summer. Willy Schmidt was the leader at the time, and both he and the camp were well-loved by Roger.