Jeremiah Alan Torpey
Jeremiah Alan Torpey, 51, of Somerville, MA, passed away on December 25, 2020. He was born
on February 10, 1969 in Cork, Ireland.
Alan grew up in the Lotabeg neighborhood of Cork City. He enjoyed great adventures with his
childhood (and lifelong) friends James, Virgil and Troy, as they roamed the woods and city
streets with Rusty, the Irish Setter. He went on to live in the historic port of Kinsale, working as
a commercial fisherman from 1991 to 1996 on a 60-foot South Atlantic trawler, moving through
the ranks as Deckhand, Boat Engineer, and finally to Skipper. He left to pursue a certification in
welding and fabrication. During this time, he also worked as a bartender at The Greyhound, one
of the oldest bars in Ireland, lighting up the faces of all who entered.
While in Kinsale, he met his future wife, Mariah, who had come to Kinsale from America and
was working at a neighboring restaurant. They left Ireland together, moving to New York City
briefly and then to the Boston, MA area. He worked for 18 years at Metal Matrix Cast
Composites, starting as a Production Assistant and eventually becoming Plant Manager. Alan
attended night classes studying Design Engineering at UMass, receiving a Certification in Design
and Manufacturing. He worked for Parker Hannifin, where he oversaw the tear-down and
integration of their Boston plant to a new facility in North Haven, CT. Most recently, Alan
worked at GE Aviation in Lynn, MA, where he was Maintenance Leader.
His passions were sketching and painting, music, nature, and animals. He and his wife loved
traveling, making trips back to Ireland, living in Rome, Italy for nearly a year and visiting many
other areas throughout Europe and the U.S. While living in Rome, he would often have his
sketch book in hand to capture the sights; he couldn’t get enough of John Denver’s song Rocky
Mountain High; and while traveling in Texas and Wyoming, visits included the local animal
shelters to walk a dog with an “Adopt me” vest. Hiking with his wife and dog, sitting at a café
with a coffee and crossword puzzle, and finding any way to be near the ocean, including taking
his truck “over sand” on the National Seashore of Cape Cod, were just a few of his favorite
things to do. He felt deeply and loved to bring joy to those around him with his big smile and
hearty laugh, whether it was through practical jokes or thoughtful and meaningful small gifts
for friends, family and co-workers.
Alan left us too soon. Please remember Alan by waking up to each new day with gratitude,
hope, and an appreciation for the little things in life. That is truly how Alan lived – with love for
life’s simplest pleasures and making others happy.
Alan is predeceased by his parents, Desmond and Eileen Torpey of Cork;
He is survived by his heartbroken wife of 23 years, Mariah (Tocci) Torpey of Somerville, MA and
their Australian Shepherd, Roger. (Before Roger, they were dog parents to Kelly, a beloved
Labrador Retriever.) In addition to his wife, he is survived by his older brother Glenn Torpey, his
spouse Karen, and nieces and nephew Ellen, Mark and Susan; his sister Orla Torpey Thacker and
her spouse Martin; his mother-in-law Katie Tocci; his father-in-law George Tocci and spouse
Alison; his brother-in-law Nat Tocci, spouse Sanya, and nephews Cooper and Zach; and brother- in-law Sam Tocci. He also leaves behind many loving aunts and uncles, cousins, friends and colleagues, including his very special family of friends from Silver Heights Avenue in Cork, Ireland and Kinsale, Ireland, whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
Sometime after the Covid-19 restrictions have been fully lifted, a memorial gathering will take place.
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My deepest condolences to my heartbroken sister in law Mariah. We will cherish Alan’s memory forever in our hearts. He will always be loved and never forgotten. Orla Torpey Thacker & Martin Thacker.
What a beautiful tribute to Alan. Your words had me closing my eyes and picturing Alan doing all those things he loved with that big beautiful smile on his face. I hadn’t seen Alan in awhile but his essence and spirit were / are so bright, I can recall him in my mind so easily. He will not be forgotten.. The Guide family and the Surman family send our thoughts and prayers to all the loved ones who are suffering from the loss of this wonderful man. We share in your sadness as you remember Alan.
I’m heartsick over the loss of the brightest light in the room, the biggest laugh in the room, the kindest soul in the room. We are all better humans for having Alan as part of our lives and I consider myself impossibly lucky to have met him. No challenge was too hard, or impossible – just another thing to try, to do, to have a good story about.
A bathmat as a vaulting vest? Sure!
Performing with Roger to a festival with 2,000 people? Why not! Watch Irish music at a Boston Bar with a 3-year-old on Saint Patricks’ Day? Ab-so-lutely.
Whatever came down the road, it was just a new adventure and for that, I’ll always be thankful to have known and been inspired by my friend, the giver of the best hugs in the house, Alan.
You are missed and loved. Slainte, my friend.
The whole of kinsale were saddened to hear of Alan’s passing. I knew Alan from Silver Heights hanging around with my brother James friends Virgil and Troy. He was an incredible individual from the moment he set foot on our trawler he was driven to succeed in a very hard industry. He worked his way up from deckhand to skipper in a mater of a few years. We worked together for years and have some great memories and stories. He will be really missed by the O Mahony family and friends from Kinsale. Our deepest condolences to Mariah and family. May God bless ye all.
I am so saddened to hear of Alan’s passing. I knew Alan when he was working in Kinsale one of the nicest, friendliest guys you could meet he always has a smile on his face. We connected again through Instagram and he was just lovely. My deepest condolences to Mariah, Alans friends near & far, Alan’s parents and extended family in Ireland. May he rest in peace.xx
Such a gorgeous tribute. I’m so deeply sorry to everyone who loved Alan and so deeply saddened at this tremendous loss.
Alan was such a lovely guy who I admired greatly. A Renaissance man with an array of talent but humble and kind hearted simultaneously. One of my funniest memories is of Alan and Mariah coming to a Salsa dance class with me. It was a short lived hobby but we laughed through the entire class.
I will remember Alan’s earnest hospitality of spirit, sincerity and bright smile. Boston is a bit darker without him. I feel fortunate to have been blessed by Alan’s friendship. Sending so much love, especially to Mariah (and Rogee).❤️ Godspeed, Alan.
This poem reminds me of Alan.
The Dream Keeper by Langston Hughes
Bring me all of your dreams,
You dreamer,
Bring me all your
Heart melodies
That I may wrap them
In a blue cloud-cloth
Away from the too-rough fingers
Of the world.”
My deepest sympathies to you Mariah, Orla and to all of Alan’s family and dear friends, in these difficult times. May your gentle soul rest in peace Alan.
Our deepest condolences to my dear friends Orla and Martin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and with Alans wife Mariah at this difficult time. May Alan rest in peace. X
I think I can speak for Alan’s aunts and uncles here in Ireland and Germany when I say that we are heartbroken to hear of Alan’s death may God have mercy on his soul and I know he will be welcomed to heaven by his Mam Eileen and Dad Died.God bless you Alan. Derry.
My sincerest condolences to You Orla, I remember listening to your shared happy memories of your brother Alan – may he rest in peace and be reunited with your Mom and Dad for eternity. Condolences to his wife Mariah and his extended family and friends who miss him every day. May they be comforted with happy memories shared with Alan during his life. X
Our deepest condolences to Mariah, Alan’s wife, and all our love and sympathy to you Orla on Alan’s passing. I know you will be forever comforted by your many happy childhood memories of Alan. Xx
Today the 10th of February should have been Alan’s 52 nd Birthday so it is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I pen these words . You always knew Alan was in the room as he was blessed with that natural charisma coupled with vivacity and one felt uplifted by his company and humour . Always a ready smile , a kind heart Alan was simply a lovely guy .
I was delighted when he met Mariah and although his premature death has robbed her of the love of her life they both had enjoyed a wondrous journey together .From day one Mariah & Alan were made for each other sharing countless memories and enjoyed great happiness . On behalf of Nina & myself we want to convey our deepest condolences to Mariah and to Alan’s siblings Glenn & Orla.
It is fitting to see so many tributes to Alan as clearly he touched a lot of lives least of all mine .I am filled with love and pride to learn of Alan’s immense popularity and to see his many achievements.
His youngest uncle Brian .
The 10th November 2001 we randomly met in Rome, Alan, Mariah, Kelly & I – I was on my way back to my hotel after a long day but decided to take a detour for just one (1) beer. Oh,I was so wrong! Seven hours of sitting, talking, laughing and drinking beer outside Druids Rock Pub, seven life changing hours that was a start of a long and true friendship. Alan was for sure the best possible friend I could get, a guy with a big warm heart that always have followed me in my head – this will continue but in a different way I’m sorry to say.
My, Viktor’s and Helén’s deepest condolences to you Mrs M, our thoughts are with you all the time. And of course also to Alan’s roots in Ireland, we’re all in the same confusing darkness right now and I’m thinking of you.
Finally to quote you Mr A ”it’s all about isolation” – I definitely miss you my friend!
Sincere condolences to Mariah Glenn and Orla on the very sad passing of Alan a lovely guy , may he rest in peace. From Alan’s neighbours in Silverheights Ave Cork Grace Sexton and family.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful kind and generous man. My sincere condolences to you Mariah and also to orla and Glenn. May he rest in peace. Auntie Rose
My sincere condolences to Mariah and the Torpey family, and friends. Alan was a pleasure to know and work with, if only for about 2 yrs. at MMCC/Parker. Always ready to help out, always cheerful. We talked often about our childhoods, and also our later yrs. What a wonderful soul he was. RIP Alan.
Bobby Thompson
Sincere condolences to Mariah, Orla, Glenn, the Torpey family, relatives and his many friends. May he RIP.
Deepest condolences Orla. Many a lovely story you shared about Alan. Cherished memories. May he Rest In Peace . Sincerest condolences to Alan’s loving wife Mariah. Sending love to you all at this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences to you Mariah on your tremendous loss Alan was one of the good guys a gentle soul Happy memories of our trips to Boston with you guys , To our beautiful friend Orla our sincere condolences to you also Alan may you rest in peace no doubt Eileen and Des are holding you thight ❤ forever in thoughts Michelle, Richard, James David and Conor Price xx
I was so saddened to hear that Alan had passed away.
I have so many fond memories of growing up with Alan. I consider myself to be very fortunate to have known him and to have called him my friend.
On hearing the news of his passing, everywhere I went reminded me of a time spent with Alan and the lads.
Driving from Kinsale up to Silver Heights to visit my own parents, everywhere I looked reminded me of the great times we had. Even hearing a particular song on the radio from the 1980’s or early 90’s brought back memories.
He was a wonderful person and the great times we had during the summer days up in Silver Heights will live in my mind forever.
Rest in peace brother.
To his wife Mariah, I’m so sorry for your loss.
My heart goes out to you.
My Sincere Condolences,
Troy.
We just learned of Alan’s death today, and are simply shocked.
Alan had a wonderful spirit, and our hearts go out to Mariah and the rest of Alan’s family, who will miss that spirit dearly.
He was an employee at our company, MMCC, but he became a friend to all of us. We will miss his smiling face at any future gatherings.
We can only imagine that Alan, Steve Cornie and Jim Lineman are now gathered swapping wild tales somewhere in the clouds.
Jim Cornie and Ruth Ryals
Our deepest condolences to you Mariah, and the rest of Alan’s extended family. We are still in disbelief at the news of his passing. Very grateful for having had the chance to meet him and be together at various family gatherings and holidays. He will be missed.
The world has lost a beautiful soul. My heart aches for my dear friend, Mariah, and all who knew and loved him. Alan knew how to make you feel welcome and loved and his spirit truly lit up a room. His love for Mariah, and dogs Roger and Kelly will be what I remember most fondly. Godspeed, Alan.
My Condolences. I remember Alan making me a brithday cake when I was a child. I accused him of putting jelly in the middle, he assured me it was jam, we agreed to disagree. He taught my brother to skateboard and I have fond memories of him doing work my father in Ballinora. Rest in peace.
To Mariah and all of Alan’s family – we are so deeply sorry for your loss. This tribute is beautiful and heartfelt – Alan was so loved and I know how much he loved Mariah, his family, Roger, Kelly and all of nature. He cared so much about others, and for sure, even the little things in life. I was always so impressed with the photos he took and, I know this is small, but he always, always responded to my posts on Instagram with some nice, thoughtful comment. But that’s exactly the type of person he was. He wanted to prop others up and connect in a positive way. So touching, and so Alan – especially in light of all the other stories here. He was really a special person and a good soul. Sending you all our love and support at this most difficult time. Love from all of us. xoxo.
To our friend Alan so sorry to hear of his passing, this devastating news cut into us . When I think back to our younger years fond memories and stories will forever live with us. We were lucky and I feel proud to have known Alan personally and honoured to call him my friend . He will be solely missed in Kinsale the Gentleman with devilment belated Birthday wishes Buddy . Love to Mariah and family all our love James and Laura x
With deepest condolences to all on the passing of a funny intelligent respectful and honest gentleman in Alan, his attributes outweighed his failings considerably. Orla, Mariah and family the emotional void left is huge and that’s testament to the person Alan was. The Collins family in kinsale were shocked to hear of his passing along with the entire fishing community of whom Alan was friends to.
Mariah, I am so very sorry for all you have been going through with your loss. I just want you to know I am always here if you want to chat! Sending a big hug! Much love!
My deepest condolences to Mariah and all the Torpey family. I was shocked and saddened to hear of Alan’s passing. Although it has been many years since I last saw Alan, this tragic news has filled me with wonderful memories of the late 90s when Mariah and Alan first got together in Kinsale and headed off to America to begin a new life together. It was such an exciting time. As the years passed it was always a such pleasure to see them both on their return visits to Ireland. Alan was undoubtedly a true gentleman. He had both an infectious smile and personality. I am proud to have known him and call him a friend. The world has lost a true gem. My thoughts and prayers are now with Mariah at this difficult time.
Rest in Peace Alan.
Alan was one of the first big influences in my life, as a child of 2or 3 being baby sat by his mother he would take me skateboarding down the hills of north cork with me standing between his legs. Always the action man who I I always think of when I do the same with my kids me tell them the story of my experience with him as a child. The guy who rescues me when I get hurt as a kid. The memories of my tough strong but very caring older cousin who has a kind heart and always made time for us even though we were so much younger. Brokenhearted to hear that one of my life hero’s has left us far to soon.
Maeve & James Fitton.
To all who knew and loved Alan we offer our deepest sympathy. We share in your sadness at his premature departure.
From the bottom of my heart, I am so incredibly sorry to Alan’s family, friends and loved ones. I’ve had the pleasure of working for Alan and Mariah for the last 5 years as their dog walker. I’ve never worked for anyone who’s cared for me the way Alan and Mariah have, and they have shown me nothing but love, kindness, and respect over the years. I will always be grateful to them both for treating me so exceptionally well, and for trusting me with their precious boy, Roger, and giving me the opportunity to love and bond with him over the years.
Alan was the truly one of the friendliest, coolest, guys I’ve ever met. There was something profoundly special about him. I always noticed a significant improvement in my mood after I talked to him, no matter how brief our conversation was. He was exceptionally kind and sensitive, and it was clear that he was a very intelligent, intuitive, creative man. I’m still in shock he’s gone, as I’m sure many of his loved ones are, and I want to once again extend my sincerest condolences to you all. I hope you are all getting the love and support you deserve and need while navigating Alan’s absence.
Love and miss you, Alan.
My sincere condolences to Mariah, Orla & Glenn Torpey & Alans wider circle of friends , colleagues in the United States , hearing of his passing caused extreme shock and heartache to us all back home in Ireland…Not a day goes by when we don’t think of him and how wish we could relive those golden memories of times past once again. A truly remarkable individual who was loved by all of us with his infectious laugh and adorable personality. He was so popular amongst his friends and wider social circle throughout his younger years that all who knew him held him in such high regard.
We hold you close within our hearts Alan , Thanks so much for the great times we spent together and for all the great laughs in times past , you will never be forgotten… From all of us in Cork & Kinsale , We will miss you terribly from now and forever…..RIP Alan & Slan Abhaile
You meant so much to all of us
You were special and that’s no lie
You brightened up the darkest day
And the cloudiest sky
Your smile alone warmed hearts
Your laugh was like music to hear
I would give absolutely anything
To have you well and standing near
Not a second passes
When you’re not on our minds
Your love we will never forget
The hurt will ease in time
Many tears I have seen and cried
They have all poured out like rain
I know that you are happy now
And no longer in any pain.
To Mariah and Alan’s family and friends, I am so shocked and saddened to hear this news of Alan’s passing and am so very sorry for your huge loss. I wish you strength going forward without Alan and hope the happy memories stay with you always. I grew up in Silverheights living next door to the famous dog Rusty that Alan, Virgil and Troy just adored, he went everywhere with them. The boys were just a few years older than me but I always looked up to them and always wanted to be able to run as fast as them (it never happened)! I reconnected with Alan via instagram a while back and wasn’t surprised to see his life full of colourful adventures and of course the beautiful dogs in his life. I hope there is still colour wherever you are now Alan, rest in peace. Amanda & the Joyce family.
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. I will surely miss the presence of a truly lovable and kind person. Our hearts are saddened to learn of your loss, please know we are with you.
Even in the most challenging situation, Alan had a way of always making you feel upbeat and doing what ever he could to help. He was always cheerful and optimistic and made sure you felt the same.
He was a very talented man in so many things, but his biggest asset was how he made others around him feel. He will be truly missed by all of his co-workers. Rest in peace my brother
My sincere condolences to Mariah and Alan’s entire family. I only met Alan a few years ago when he came to work at GE Aviation in Lynn. I came to know Alan’s incredible artistic ability and invaluable humor in our daily interaction. Alan was possibly the best “straight man” I have ever known. Alan and I would frequently text each other about music and movies that got our attention. We go through this life and sometimes don’t even realize the impact certain people and events have on us. Alan is proof positive of this fact in the tremendous loss I, myself, and many others at GE feel since receiving the grim news over the Christmas Holiday. I miss my “comrade” or “boyo”, as we frequently referred to each other, more than I ever thought possible and very much look forward to being with him again in the place after this. Cheers to you my good friend, thank you for all that you gave me, I miss you…
Please provide any information with regard to a memorial service as it becomes available.
My heartfelt condolences to Alan’s immediate family, his extended family, as well as the countless friends who cherished Allen both here in the Boston area and abroad. Although my daily interactions with Al were limited in their scope, the time we did get to “shoot the breeze” was inevitably filled with cheer and boisterous laughter. That is definitely one thing I will remember most about Al, his sense of humor and that unmistakable laugh.
We miss you bud, and I look forward to raising a pint with you somewhere down the road.
“May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.”
My deepest condolences to Mariah and all the Torpey family. Alan always had a way to cheer up the day. His practical jokes and sense of humor always lifted us up. Sometimes it was a prank call with a foreign accent and sometimes it was a fake spider jumping out of a box. At the same time Alan was professional and understanding with everyone he touched. It was a great honor to work with Alan. The office is empty without you and are deeply missed. May you forever have a dog and a pint by your side.
Deepest Condolences to Alan’s wife Mariah, Orla and Glenn, We were all so very sorry to hear of his passing, RIP Alan. From all of the Finn’s in Silver heights Avenue, Cork, Ireland
To the family and Friends of Alan Torpey my deepest sympathy to all.
I knew Alan from work at G.E. Lynn.
He was a wonderful person to know aways a smile on his face and always a good and kind comment everyday.
When I go by his desk I always say I miss you Alan.
May the Sun warm your smiling face, with the wind at your back and hills rise before you,and may you have been in Heaven one half hour before the devil knew you had passed. God Bless you Alan .
It’s with profound sadness that I extend heartfelt condolences to Mariah and the Torpey family. Alan was truly a beautiful man. I came to know Alan well while working with him for 18 years at MMCC. We shared deep conversations about life, and his kindness, spirit of generosity, creativity and passion for animals shone through always. One lasting memory I have that captures those qualities is a base for a bird feeder he made out of scrap steel for my deck late in the day at work. I and the birds have been enjoying it for 8 years now, and I will treasure his memory in that for many years to come.
Friends and colleagues far and wide grieve with you, Mariah. He will be missed by many. Wishing you peace in the days ahead.
Whilst I did not know Alan his obituary gave me an indication of the full and interesting life he had before his untimely death-
We pass on our condolences to Mariah/Orla /family and friends on their sad loss
May Alan now rest in peace
I pass on my Condolences to Orla and Martin and both the Torpey and Thacker families at this very difficult time.
I pass my Condolences to Orla and Martin and both the Torpey and Thacker families at this very difficult time.
Words fail to express my heartfelt condolences to Orla, Mariah, and to the extended family and dear friends of Alan (RIP). May your loving memories give you comfort at this sad and difficult time. In my thoughts and prayers xx
My heart is breaking for Mariah and Alan’s family. I thought that with time, I will be able to find the right words of comfort in order to express my condolences. I have not been able to and I know there is nothing I can say that will make this better. Alan was a truly gentle soul. He will always be in my memories as one of the warmest and most caring people I crossed paths with. I am grateful to have met him and to have him in my memories. Reading the beautiful story of Alan’s life, I know he was taken away from us and this world way too soon.
To Mariah and Alan’s family: from the bottom of my heart, I am wishing you strength and peace in these difficult times. You are in my thoughts!
Sincere condolences you Mariah on the sad passing of your beloved husband Alan I remember when you two guys met while you were working in Jim’s he feel head over heels in love with you Alan was sharing the house with us what a fantastic fella was so shocked and saddened when I heard he’d passed gone too soon thinking of his parents and extended family a wonderful beautiful man I’m sure his sorely missed may his gentle soul rest in peace xx