Herbert L. Torrance, Jr.

Herbert L. Torrance Jr., (Butch) 84, of Girard, died on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, after an extended illness.

He was born on July 23, 1937, a son to the late Herbert L. and Eleanor (Moore) Torrance.

Herb grew up in Erie and graduated from McDowell High School in 1956. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army. He served with the Eighth Army Augmentation Headquarters within I Corps and attained the rank of Specialist. After serving in Korea, he received honorable discharge and returned home to the Erie area.

Herb married while serving in the military, and after settling in Harborcreek, they began a family. He began his career at Urik Foundry and after 13 years moved to General Electric. While there, he became a head tester at the facility. Later in his career, he became a supervisor in the wiring harness department used for locomotives. He retired from General Electric after more than thirty years of service.

He enjoyed challenging his abilities with Quad races, marathons, race walking, etc., and won many races. In keeping with his athleticism and love of his family, Herb, his wife, and children enjoyed hiking in the hills near Warren. When he wasn’t walking, running, or biking, he was helping build houses for himself and his family. He was always willing to come to the aid of his family and friends. During his spare time, he also enjoyed restoring antique cars.

His sense of humor often showed through his time spent with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed teaching all he had learned, such as masonry skills and wood working. All of this was accomplished with his belief in God and his family as parishioners at Faith Lutheran and currently, he and his wife at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Torrance.

He will be greatly missed by his family which include his wife of over 63 years Marion (Renner) Torrance whom he married April 27, 1959; sons, Herbert L. Torrance III (Mary Margaret) and Scott Torrance (Shirley); daughters, Rhonda Gieza (John) and Eleanor Barrett (Terence); sister, Joyce DaValle; grandchildren, Jennifer Stuckey (Forrest), Herbert Torrance IV (Ava Checchio), Daniel Torrance, Emily Torrance, Regina Torrance, Melissa Sines (Matte), Scott Torrance Jr. (Camilla), Nikki Cadle (James), Amber Lynch (Andrew), Maile Pollack (Christopher), Tyler Gieza, Kathryn Barrett (Mathew Western), Jessica Barrett (James Houin, Jr.), Charlene Barrett, John “Wesley” Barrett (Ivy), Spencer Barrett; great-grandchildren, Lily Cadle, Isabella Cadle, Edward Lynch and Joshua Lynch; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Thursday, July 21, 2022, at the Edder Funeral Home Inc. 309 Main St. Girard, PA from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. A prayer service will be held there the following day, Friday at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Funeral Liturgy at 10:00 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church officiated by Rev. Karen Thompson and Deacon Nancy Guthrie.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St John's Lutheran Church, 8942 W. Ridge Rd., Girard, PA 16417 or to a charity of one’s choice.

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