Torrey, Jr., Preston A.

Preston Allan Torrey, Jr. (Pat), the beloved husband of Teresa (Tess) Torrey, died October 26 after a short illness at the age of 81. A born teacher, Preston taught social studies for thirty years in the East Hartford Public Schools, serving the last twenty-two as Department Chairperson of the Supportive Program. The alternative program was designed and implemented by him, one of the first to be established within a local high school for students at risk of dropping out. With tough love, humor and deep caring, he was dedicated to helping students reach their potential, and made a difference in the lives of hundreds. An avid skier as a young man, he brought patience and enthusiasm to teaching budding skiers at Ski Sundown, including his uncoordinated new wife. But his real passion was fly fishing for trout. Pat began guiding on Vermont's Battenkill River during summer breaks from teaching. In retirement, he became a Pro Guide for Scott Rods on the upper Farmington River where he was known as the Zen master of nymphing. Watching him on the river was poetic. Mentored by the legendary anglers, Joe Humphries and Ross Marigold, he passed on their secrets to dozens each year, standing knee deep in the waters of his beloved Farmington or Madison River in Montana. Winters often found him teaching advanced fly-tying classes at UpCountry Sportsfishing in New Hartford. He was a member of the Limestone Trout Club in Canaan. A gentle giant, his outgoing personality warmed everyone, whether greeting the local pharmacist with a jokey hello or delighting the six-year-old boy next door with a hearty “hey, neighbor.” An innate kindness and empathy touched many troubled hearts he met along his way.

Pat was born in North Adams, MA, the son of Preston Torrey, Sr. and Margaret (Jones) Torrey. He graduated from Nathan Hale-Ray High School in 1960 in Moodus, CT and from the University of Connecticut in 1966 with a degree in history. He received a Master in Education from Boston University and completed a Sixth Year in Administration from Connecticut Central State University. He served six years in the US Army National Reserves. In addition to his beloved and loving wife of 51 years, he is survived by a sister, Beverly Motola of Wethersfield, nieces Margaret Phillips (Steven) of East Hampton, Andrea Maldon (Damien) of Adamstown, NSW, Australia, Charlotte Motola of Manchester, nephews Patrick and Erik McGuinness of Columbus, OH, Christopher McGuinness (Stephanie) of Vandalia, OH, and grandnieces and nephews Mireya, Ashley, Oliver, Aubrey, Blair, Violet, Noah, Alice, and Autumn. Calling hours will take place Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon, CT from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, November 3, 2022 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 145 Main Street in Unionville, CT at 10 am, followed by burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Huckleberry Hill Road, Avon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Farmington River Watershed Association, 749 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070 or to a charity of your choice. For condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.

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