NORFOLK REMEMBERS: William F. “Bill” Torrant
William F. “Bill” Torrant, 83, passed away at his home in Litchfield on Oct.10. Born in Canaan on Aug. 1, 1943, Bill lived his entire life in Litchfield and was devoted to his family, friends, work and community. He was the eldest son of Francis L. and Mary (Hines) Torrant. He attended Litchfield Public Schools and was a member of Litchfield High School’s 1959 Class C State Championship basketball team. After graduating from Leicester Junior College and the McAllister School of Embalming, he joined his father at Torrant Funeral Home, serving the Norfolk and Litchfield communities.
Although he maintained his funeral director’s license throughout his life, Bill’s passion was construction and “moving dirt.” In 1967, he joined his uncle, Jerry Torrant, at James J. Torrant, Inc., the family excavation company founded by his grandfather in 1900. In 1979, he established W.F. Torrant, Inc. in Norfolk, a successful excavation and septic system installation business that continues today under the ownership and operation of his eldest son, Jeff.
Bill was deeply committed to his community and faith. He continued a family tradition by serving as sexton of St. Mary’s Cemetery in Norfolk and supported numerous improvement projects at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Litchfield. He took great pride in seeing each of his children work alongside him at various times, instilling the lasting values of hard work, integrity, excellenceand service.
In July, Bill and his beloved wife, Sharon (Castelli) Torrant, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Nothing brought him greater joy than their growing family.
In addition to Sharon, he is survived by his children, Jeffrey Torrant and wife Holly of Norfolk; Andeen Holm and husband Jim of Litchfield; David Torrant and wife Darlene of Norfolk; Andrew Torrant and wife Katie of Houston, Tex.; “son-in-love” Kevin Fischer and wife Lisa of Morris; six grand-children, Bailey Bocci (David), Mackenzie Hayes (Stephen), Morgan Ives (Jackson), Adrianna Torrant, Mason Torrant and Alexander Torrant; and his first great-grandchild, Brooke Bocci, whom he was blessed to hold just weeks before his passing. Bill is also survived by his brothers, Jonathan Torrant (Susan) of Litchfield and Don Torrant (Mari Louise) of Norfolk; sister, Kathleen Sherrill (Geoffrey) of Lime Rock; sister-in-law Lauren Napolillo (Dick) of Uxbridge, Mass.; numerous cherished cousins, nieces, nephews and godchildren; and longtime friends and business associates.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, Oct. 16, at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Litchfield. Internment followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Norfolk. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Litchfield Volunteer Ambulance Association or the Norfolk Lions Club Ambulance.
