Michael E. Tortora

Michael Edward Tortora, 73 of Auburn, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 16, 2014 in Rose Monahan Hospice Residence surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. Michael's former wife, Patricia D. (Berube) Tortora passed away on January 11, 2002. He is survived by two sons, Michael A. Tortora and his wife Colleen and Edward A. Tortora and his wife Tammy all of Worcester; a daughter, Libra E. Cadrin and her husband Andrew of Spencer; a sister, Eleanor Olson and her husband Russell of Worcester; four beloved grandchildren, Edward A. Tortora, Jr., Deanna M. Tortora, Michael L. Tortora and Brianna L. Tortora all of Worcester; many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a sister, Marie Ferranto. Michael was born in Worcester, the son of the late Edward A. and Lillian (Principe) Tortora and graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School, Worcester. He later received his associate's degree in business administration from Worcester Junior College. Michael served for many years in the Massachusetts Army National Guard 1st 181st, where he obtained the rank of Staff sergeant. He was a chief weapons instructor for his Battalion. He worked for many years at Harrington Richardson's Company in Worcester in their firearms division, manufacturing the M-14 and later the M-16 as well. Mike met the love of his life Patricia at Harrington's where they worked together. Mike worked as a sales representative at Mueller's Macaroni Company for many years , and moved on to a sales managing position at Scott Paper Company where he eventually retired from .Mike also co-owned Grafton Hill Package store for some time. Mike who was lovingly referred to as "Mr. T" coached both boys and girls, including each of his three children, for many years at the Lou Gehrig Baseball League on Vernon Hill in Worcester. He moved on to continue coaching and participating at many area leagues. The last place he coached was South Side Senior Ruth with his son Ed. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren Eddy and Brianna play sports at St. Peter Marian High School and Ty Cobb. He also cherished watching his grandchildren Deanna and Michael perform on stage in many Musicals, Plays, and Concerts at Holy Name Central Catholic High School. The many young Children he met through his grandchildren adoringly called him "Grampa" and "Mr. T." Through all his Adventures and experiences, he touched many lives, and had many activities that he enjoyed, like playing cards, walking on the beach, enjoying movies, and rolling his eyes at his son Michael's humor. Above all his favorite thing to do was dance with his daughter Libra, whom he called "Pumpkin". Michael was a member of North American Martyrs Church in Auburn, the Auburn Elks and a life Member and past Grand Knight the Auburn Knights of Columbus #4158 Services for Michael will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2014 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in North American Martyrs Church, 8 Wyoma Drive, Auburn. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery, North Brookfield. A period of calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 21st from 4-7 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Rose Monahan Hospice Residence, 10 Judith Rd, Worcester, MA 01602. To share your thoughts and memories of Michael, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.