Obituary of James M. Torpey

James Michael Torpey, of Burlington, MA, formerly of Arlington, MA, a retired member of Teamsters Local 25, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.  He was 87 years old.  Jim was born in Boston.  He was one of three children born to Elizabeth and James P. Torpey.  He grew up in Arlington and was a graduate of Arlington High School, Class of 1956. 

After high school, Jim served in the United States Marine Corps where he toured parts of Asia. Following his service, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Donovan, on October 4, 1959. Jim and Mary started their life together in their hometown of Arlington and later moved in 1965 to their forever home in Burlington.  

Jim was a proud Teamster. He drove 18 wheelers doing short haul trucking for most of his career.  He worked for Tighe Trucking, Fox & Ginn, Coles Express, Carolina Freight, and retired from ABF Trucking at the age of 59. 

Jim loved maintaining his home and was always out in his yard.  He enjoyed chatting with his neighbors as they passed by. He also enjoyed road trips with family members and friends. In his later years, he was very active at the Burlington Council on Aging.  He and Mary would go multiple times a week: participating in Bingo, activities and socials.  

Jim was a man who was devoted to his family.  He and Mary shared 65 years of marital bliss.  He adored his beloved Mary and never refused any of her requests.  Every night before they went to bed Jim would say the same loving words; “Good night Mary Donovan, I Love You”.  They shared a strong Catholic faith and were regulars at the Saturday 4 p.m. mass at St. Malachy Church.  As a family, they spent a lot of their free time at Hampton Beach, Cape Cod, and Lake Winnipesaukee.  He would do the school drop off and pickup ups for his grandchildren so their parents could work.  He was always available if they needed a babysitter, a helping hand around their home, and just some words of advice.  He was a fun and entertaining grandfather.  His pool was the summer gathering spot for his kids and grandkids.  He always ended a swim day with the kids making a whirlpool.  They thought it was entertaining, but Jim used it to gather the dirt in the pool so it would be easier to clean.  His family and friends will remember Jim for being a quiet gentleman, filled with kindness and love.  His family was his greatest joy, and he will be lovingly remembered by all.

Jim was the beloved husband of Mary (Donovan) Torpey.  He was the loving father of Susan Buoncuore & her husband Roland of Beverly Farms, Sandra D’Urso & her husband Ronald of Lynn, Marybeth Banks of Derry, NH & her late husband Kenneth, and James Torpey & his wife Maribeth of Clearwater, FL.  He was the brother of Elizabeth Donovan of Woburn & her late husband Dennis, and Thomas Torpey & his wife Eileen of Melrose.  Jim was the proud grandfather of Matthew Buoncuore & his wife Tara, Nicholas Buoncuore, Kaitlin Buoncuore, Brittany Vetterl & her husband Ryan, Casey D’Urso & her fiancée’ Christopher George, Alexandra Priest, Richard Priest, Brendon Banks, Sean Banks, Catherine Torpey, and Erin Torpey.  He was the great grandfather of Ryan, Natalie, Christopher, Joanna, and Stella.

Friends and family are invited to attend visitation on Friday, November 22nd from 10:30 am until 12 pm.  His Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 22nd at 12:30 pm at St. Malachy Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington.  Burial will immediately follow in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington.