By Danny Teigman
For a man of nearly 80, Tortorici gives no indication of slowing down. The Bay Park home he shares with his wife, Marie, is organized, clean and inviting. In the backyard, a sunroom is under construction. Skilled in carpentry, plumbing and electrical work -- and with a knack for getting things done -- Tortorici plans to have the room ready in a matter of months. "Just because you're older doesn't mean you can't do things," he said. "It's not rocket science."
Born in 1927 on New York City's Lower East Side, Tortorici learned quickly that hard work and discipline could lead to success. Although his family escaped the worst of the Depression, his father, Frank, who worked as a contractor and was also the superintendent of the building in which the family lived, insisted that Peter work before and after school, to help them make ends meet. With six siblings, it was important to pull one's own weight, he recalled.
Tortorici received his high school diploma in 1941, and joined the Merchant Marines during World War II. He met his wife-to-be, Marie, at a dance, and in October of 1950, the two married. They had three children, Angela, Frank and Celeste.
In 1951, Tortorici, then a member of the National Guard, was sent to Korea. When he returned, he became part owner and cook at the family-owned seafood restaurant, Giocchino's -- Jack in Italian -- named for one of his brothers. Although he had always wanted to attend college, finding the time to go back and still make a living became difficult.
In 1955, Tortorici moved his family to Brooklyn. "My dream was that my children go to college, which they did," he said. In 1958 he began working for the New York City Housing Authority as a maintenance mechanic chief.
The family moved from Brooklyn to Bayshore in 1962, and lived there until 1984. When Tortorici retired, they moved to Bay Park, where he began attending Bay Park Civic Association meetings -- where it became evident to his new neighbors that he possessed a wealth of technical knowledge and communications skills. Four years later, Tortorici was elected president of the association.
Under his leadership, the Grand Canal bulkheads were rebuilt, a proper flagpole was installed at the head of the canal and davits for balancing docked boats were installed. The county-owned Bay Park, adjacent to the hamlet, was rehabilitated with $1.4 million in funding.
In 1994, Tortorici became a fire commissioner of the Bay Park fire district. In many respects, his role was an extension of his earlier work of coordinating efforts with the East Rockaway Fire Department to ensure that Bay Park residents were properly served and protected.
"I know one thing is certain, if there was a problem or something needed to get done, Peter [would always be] there," said fire district Chairman Bobby Weiss. "When you gave Peter an assignment, the job was done. He was one of my mentors. ... I learned a lot from him, and I have the greatest admiration for him. He is a very, very kind gentleman, always willing to share information and teach new commissioners."
"My father is a very talented individual and also a caring person," said Peter's daughter, Angela. "I believe it came as no surprise to any of us that he lent his talents for the betterment of the community. I know that his family is delighted that he has been recognized in such a wonderful way, and we're very proud of him."
Tortorici's next mission in life requires no titles or special accolades, but is simply "to just keep going" -- to continue taking on new projects while remaining an example to others in his community, and to care of his wife, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. "I ask God to give me strength every day," he said. "My plan is that my wife and I will continue to see our grandchildren grow up."
Comments about this story? DTeigman@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 246.
Photos by Ira Lewis/Herald
