Thomas Joseph Torretta passed away on July 18, 2026, at the age of 71. Beloved husband of Susan (née Oliver), with whom he shared 38 wonderful years of marriage. Devoted father of the late Kyle (survived by Jenny Sly) and Nina (Chris Riganti) Torretta. Loving grandfather of Mia, Leo, and Aria Riganti.
Beloved son of the late Mario and Mary (née Calcaterra) Torretta. Loving brother of Mary Frances (the late Larry) Viero and John (Jane) Torretta; dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
Tom proudly served as a police officer for more than three decades. He loved his dogs and enjoyed the outdoors, including hunting and fishing. Tom was also an excellent cook and always made sure everyone was fed. His humorous nature and storytelling will be missed. Tom’s final act of kindness was to donate tissue to those in need.
One of Tom’s greatest joys in life was being “Pawpaw” to his three young grandchildren. He watched his grandkids regularly, pushing them around the neighborhood in a blue car and cradling them to sleep in his chair.
SERVICES: A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Ambrose Catholic Church on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to The Backstoppers, Inc., or Saint Ambrose Society ℅ St. Ambrose Catholic Church.
I had the pleasure of working with Tom in the Homicide Division when he was on the SLMPD. He was an excellent investigator. His sense of humor was off the charts.
Rest in Peace, Tom.
My condolences to his family.
Sue, I am saddened to hear about the passing of your husband, friend, and soul mate. Lifting you in prayer so that God will embrace you and your family during your healing.
Susan, my deepest and most sincere sympathy to you and your family. Tom was a great guy. You two always made such a cute pair. Prayers being sent your way. God bless.
Sue and family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Tom was a wonderful person.
Johanna Grimoldi and family
Susan, I’m so sorry for your loss. The Malyszko family will keep Tom and your family in our prayers.
Susan – So sorry for your loss. We are keeping you and your family in our prayers.
I remember working with Tom in the Homicide Division. Great guy to work with and a great sense of humor. My condolences to his wife and family.
Sue, Nina and the Torretta Family,
Where do you begin with Tom? Over the years, we’ve had so much fun with you two, Tom and Sue. The girls going to the Villa and St Ambrose. Volleyball, basketball, volunteering, St Joseph’s table, bocce tournaments and parades. Rich and I still laugh when we think about the time when you two picked us up to go to Crown Candy for lunch, they were packed! We decided to go somewhere else. While in route, we were all in his truck, in true Officer Tom fashion, at a stoplight, Tom looked down into a questionable car next to us and warned the 3 of us, “if I say “now” you all need to get down”! Oy!
The Bocce Tournaments were great memories. Milo’s at its best. A wonderful yearly event we all looked forward to! Donations and playing!
Over the last several years, when we would grab lunch, his eyes lit up when he spoke of his wonderful grandkids and babysitting them. They were his joy♥️ We pray for both peace and strength. Richard and Jan Muraski
Susan and Nina, I am very sorry for your loss. I’m very glad I got to meet Tom. May he rest in peace.
Torretta Family ………..
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Tom. I was deeply saddened to learn of his death.
Over the years, I would often “run into” Tom at St. Louis Police Headquarters. Those chance encounters always seemed to turn into memorable conversations. Tom had an incredible sense of humor and a gift for finding something to laugh about, whether we were talking about police work, family life, or the everyday events that make up our lives. He had a way of making people smile, and I always walked away from our conversations feeling better than when they began.
Our shared connection through the Laury/Grimaud family lineage only added another layer to those conversations. We always seemed to find another family story or humorous memory to share, and those moments strengthened a bond that I will always treasure.
Tom’s obituary beautifully reflects the man so many of us knew—a devoted police officer who faithfully served his community for more than thirty years, a loving father and grandfather, an outdoorsman, an excellent cook, and a man whose generosity continued even after his passing through his final gift of tissue donation. His greatest legacy, however, will undoubtedly be the love he shared with his family, especially the joy he found as “Pawpaw” to his three grandchildren.
Tom lived a life of service, kindness, laughter, and love. His stories, quick wit, and warm personality will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
May God grant Tom eternal rest and welcome him into His heavenly kingdom. May He also surround your family with His peace, comfort, and strength in the days ahead, and may the many wonderful memories of Tom bring smiles through your tears.
With deepest sympathy and prayers.