Mark G. Torassa

Born in San Francisco on March 24, 1950 to Betty & George Torassa, Mark was 28 minutes older than his twin Gregory Lawrence Torassa. His grin filled the room and he and Greg had a special bond and twin sense of humor. Their best pal Dodge Reidy lived across the street and the three were like the musketeers. All three were in Cub Scouts together and our mother Betty was the den mother. Betty had the troop put on a skit of Tom Sawyer and both the twins and Dodge participated. Dodge played Aunt Polly with a white wig with a bun. Mark & Greg were altar boys at St. Monica’s in San Francisco and were always on call because they matched. Mark and Greg were in the prize winning Washington High, San Francisco orchestra. Mark played alto sax and Greg played the trombone. The band traveled to Washington state for the competition. Mark was a terrific water and snow skier and competed in the Berkeley waterski competition. Mark was in charge of the car key at Bear Valley the time our sister Leslie ran right into Clint Eastwood on the slopes! Mark lost the key to the car in the snow when he fell and we rode home in the Berkeley High ski trip bus. Mark & Greg went hunting and fishing with our Dad, George, and had many outdoor adventures growing up. Mark was a fine photographer and liked to take photos at Ocean Beach in San Francisco. He loved the California Academy of Sciences aquarium in Golden Gate Park. He loved to hike with us in Point Reyes National Seashore. He helped us drive Grady’s horses from Arizona to Tennessee Valley stables in Marin when the Pima County Sheriff’s Posse offered to buy the gelding right out of the back of the double horse trailer at a rest stop in Arizona. Mark graduated from USF and wrote an alcohol abuse practice paper and also a senior thesis on Schizophrenia. He got his degree in a ceremony at the old St. Ignatius Church in 1977. Mark was had a calm presence and yet had a terrific sense of humor. He was innately kind. He and Greg and Dodge Reidy would have a repartee among themselves in the kitchen growing up which kept everyone in stitches. Here is to the memory of our brother, cousin, and friend, Mark, who was so kind and loving especially to his sister Peaches whom he named when she was born. He said she had fuzz on her head like a peach. Martha was dubbed Peaches ever since Mark named her when she was a wee baby. He loved young George III, too. God rest his soul which is now in peace.

Tributes

Mark G. Torassa

June 19, 2023