Obituary for Dale F. Torrey Sr.
Winter Harbor
Dale F. Torrey, Sr., 87, died July 15, 2023, at his home in Winter Harbor. He was born in Winter Harbor, April 16, 1936, the son of Philip E. and Elona Mae (Bunker).
Dale grew up in Winter Harbor and was a member of one of the oldest fishing families in the state. He lobster fished until he joined the US Army when he was 17. He served at Fort Hood in Texas for 3 years where he was promoted to Sergeant and trained troops during the Korean War for war service. He EAGERLY returned home and fished until he was 78. Dale gained notoriety in 1985 filming the Alka Seltzer commercial, “it cleared my head right up beautiful”
He served as Winter Harbor Fire Chief for many years, was Harbor Master for 42 years, and was one of the co-founders of the Co-op and president for many years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman his entire life.
He was married to Janet L. (Jordan) Torrey in 1953 and they began their lives together. They had four children before her tragic death in a motor vehicle accident when Dale was 32. Years later he married Latona Kelly and they had 2 more children.
Dale is survived by 6 children, Debra Sue Curtis and husband Linden of North Port, FL, Darlene E. Wallace of Winter Harbor, Doreen J. Eschete and husband Lonny of Houma LA, Dale F. “Bub” Torrey, Jr. and wife Barbara of Columbia, Katrina M. Torrey of Clifton and Phillip L. Torrey of Winter Harbor; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; sister, Weltha Sargent of Winter Harbor; many nieces and nephews; long time companion, Mary Lou Weaver; special friends, Alan and Vicki Goldstein, Neil Heidinger, Diana Young, Jerry Potter, Mike Faulkingham and Kaz Ott. He was predeceased by 3 siblings, Douglas, Deo, and Constance.
A graveside service will be held July 22, 2023, at 3:30 pm at Greenwood Cemetery, Winter Harbor.
Contributions in Dale’s memory may be made to MLA Maine Lobsterman Legal Defense at MLA, Maine Lobsterman Association, 2 Storer St., Suite 203, Kennebunk, ME 04043.
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St. Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com
Dale F. Torrey, Sr., 87, died July 15, 2023, at his home in Winter Harbor. He was born in Winter Harbor, April 16, 1936, the son of Philip E. and Elona Mae (Bunker).
Dale grew up in Winter Harbor and was a member of one of the oldest fishing families in the state. He lobster fished until he joined the US Army when he was 17. He served at Fort Hood in Texas for 3 years where he was promoted to Sergeant and trained troops during the Korean War for war service. He EAGERLY returned home and fished until he was 78. Dale gained notoriety in 1985 filming the Alka Seltzer commercial, “it cleared my head right up beautiful”
He served as Winter Harbor Fire Chief for many years, was Harbor Master for 42 years, and was one of the co-founders of the Co-op and president for many years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman his entire life.
He was married to Janet L. (Jordan) Torrey in 1953 and they began their lives together. They had four children before her tragic death in a motor vehicle accident when Dale was 32. Years later he married Latona Kelly and they had 2 more children.
Dale is survived by 6 children, Debra Sue Curtis and husband Linden of North Port, FL, Darlene E. Wallace of Winter Harbor, Doreen J. Eschete and husband Lonny of Houma LA, Dale F. “Bub” Torrey, Jr. and wife Barbara of Columbia, Katrina M. Torrey of Clifton and Phillip L. Torrey of Winter Harbor; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; sister, Weltha Sargent of Winter Harbor; many nieces and nephews; long time companion, Mary Lou Weaver; special friends, Alan and Vicki Goldstein, Neil Heidinger, Diana Young, Jerry Potter, Mike Faulkingham and Kaz Ott. He was predeceased by 3 siblings, Douglas, Deo, and Constance.
A graveside service will be held July 22, 2023, at 3:30 pm at Greenwood Cemetery, Winter Harbor.
Contributions in Dale’s memory may be made to MLA Maine Lobsterman Legal Defense at MLA, Maine Lobsterman Association, 2 Storer St., Suite 203, Kennebunk, ME 04043.
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St. Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com