John A. Torre

John Anthony Torre, 70, of North Brunswick, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Morris Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, surrounded by family.

Born in Montreal, Canada, John grew up in New Brunswick before moving to North Brunswick as a child, where he would remain for the rest of his life. He was a proud graduate of St. Joseph’s High School in Metuchen, NJ.

He worked in sales & engineering in the construction industry for 25 years. He ran a custom manufacturing facility in Dayton. He also enjoyed serving as a mentor to at-risk youths in the Straight Up Program with the North Brunswick Police Department.

John was a man of many talents. A gifted writer with an incredible imagination, his work was published in short story magazines, and two Chicken Soup for the Soul books. He spent many years as a freelance copywriter. He also shared his love of storytelling with others by teaching creative writing at Middlesex County College, focusing on science fiction, fantasy, and horror.

John was a talented musician who played guitar in rock ’n’ roll bands. His bandmates were a mixture of childhood and lifelong friends. Their bond extended far beyond the music they made together, forming friendships that remained deep and unbreakable throughout his life.

A Disney Vacation Club member for more than 20 years, he was the family’s resident Disney historian and the go-to person for anything and everything Disney. Disney family vacations created countless memories that his daughters and granddaughters will carry with them.

John also loved animals, spending time at Midway Beach, painting, and simply being surrounded by the people—and pets—he loved. He was a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Virgin RC Church in New Brunswick and a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 25 in Milltown.

Of all the roles John held throughout his life, however, none meant more to him than being a husband, father and ‘Pops’. His three daughters and four granddaughters were an enormous source of pride and love. His family will remember his humor, creativity, stories, passions, and the unmistakable personality that made up John.

John was predeceased by his beloved wife of 39 years, Mary Lynn (Deinzer) Torre (d. 2021); his brother, Joseph F. Torre (d. 2024); and his parents, Joseph V. (d. 1986) and Jennie M. (Schepis) Torre (d. 2019).

He is survived by his three daughters and their husbands, Kasey and Thomas Varga of North Brunswick, Jaclyn and Tyler Brennessel of Oceanport, and Shelly and Robert Sickles of Milltown; and his four beautiful granddaughters, Mila Varga, Emma Brennessel, Penelope Sickles, and Lucy Brennessel. He is also survived by many loving family members, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, September 18th, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 N. Main Street at Riva Avenue, Milltown.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, September 19th, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Virgin RC Church in New Brunswick, followed by burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery in New Brunswick.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the ASPCA in John’s memory. You may sign the online condolence “guestbook” at www.crabiel.com.