Caesare "Chet" Torsiello

Caesare “Chet” Torsiello, 89, of Torrington, CT, peacefully passed away Thursday, June 20, 2019, at his home surrounded by his family.  He was the beloved husband of Ruth (Heinze) Torsiello for 66 years.

Chet was born September 6, 1929, in Torrington, CT, son of the late Albert and Jenny (Cerruto) Torsiello.  After graduating high school, he served his country with the US Army.  A talented athlete, one of his many duties for the four years he served was representing the US on the men’s softball team. He received several commendations for his service, including the good conduct medal and occupation medal.  He received several promotions and achieved the rank of Sargeant by the time of his discharge.

While in the service in Germany, Chet met the love of his life, his future wife, Ruth.  They were so young, their parents were skeptical and suggested they wait a year.  After three months, Chet returned to Germany, won over his future in-laws and married Ruth.  They returned to Torrington to live and start a family.

Once he returned to Torrington, Chet was employed by Allied Grocers and later started Torsiello’ s Tavern.  After he and Ruth bought their old farmhouse, they began to enjoy going to auctions and finding treasures for their new home.  Chet turned this hobby into a new career, helping auctioneer and buying and selling estates.  And so “Up Your Attic” was born.  For many years, Chet could be found at flea markets and auctions all over the Northwest Corner of Connecticut and beyond.  He loved people and he was great at making a deal.

Next to his beloved wife, Chet loved his big family.  He was always interested in hearing about each accomplishment and he was there to celebrate so many.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Coleen Peterson and her husband Herb of Torrington, CT, Sharon Cable and her husband James of Canton, CT, Lesley Mara and her husband Dan of Bloomfield, CT; seven grandchildren, Bettina Evans and her husband Eric, Wendy Peterson, Allyn Peterson and his wife Jennifer, Tom Cable, Alex Cable, Ben Mara, Kate Mara; four great grandchildren, Emmett Evans, Samuel Evans, Riley Peterson, Naomi Peterson, as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by two brothers, Frank Torsiello, Anthony Torsiello, and two sisters, Catherine Milici and Florence Meyer.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2019, with the cortege leaving at 10:30 a.m. from Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, to St. Peter Church, (St. John Paul the Great Parish), 99 East Main St., Torrington, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may call on Thursday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Cook Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to FOCUS Center for Autism, 126 Dowd Ave., Canton, CT 06019 or to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, 282 Washington, St., Hartford, CT 06106.  Condolences may be sent to the Torsiello family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com