Pasquale Tortora

Pasquale Tortora, 87, of Eltingville, passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Staten Island University Hospital North. Born Wednesday, May 1, 1935, in the town of Bisceglie, Italy, he was the son of the late Vincent Tortora and the late Grazia Tortora. In his adolescent years, Pasquale enjoyed working on a farm and playing soccer in the town’s center. He loved the Adriatic Sea and in years to come, he would always reminisce of the days he enjoyed by the sea. In 1954, at 19 years old, Pasquale emigrated from Bisceglie, Italy and settled in Brooklyn, New York. He married Marie Garofoli in 1954 and they had four beautiful children together. Pasquale was a skilled professional home painter and wallpaper installer. He took great pride in his craft. Pasquale lived in Gravesend, Brooklyn for many years, raising his family there. In his quaint Brooklyn backyard, he nurtured a thriving garden full of fresh fruit and vegetables. His fig tree grew so large, overarching into the neighbors’ backyards; it was there for all to enjoy. In his free time, he was a member of the local Italian Club. He greatly enjoyed the camaraderie and community. He loved trips to the casino to try his hand at blackjack and other games. Pasquale loved traveling the world, including frequent trips to Italy to visit his family, along with local cherished family trips to the Villa Roma. He loved spending time outdoors, soaking in the sun, and playing bocce ball with his children and grandkids. Pasquale loved socializing, spending time with family, friends, and neighbors, going out to eat or simply just sitting outside keeping a close eye on the neighborhood. Whether he was living in Brooklyn or his most recent residence in Staten Island, everyone in the neighborhood loved him and enjoyed stopping by to say ‘hello’ while he sat outside taking part in his favorite pastime — having a smoke, and on occasion, with an accompanying espresso. Even the neighborhood dogs loved him. Pasquale had true charisma and was known for his jovial disposition. He would always make jokes and would be found laughing, smiling, and singing more than anything else. When relaxing indoors, Pasquale was a devout WWE fan. His favorite wrestler was Hulk Hogan. Pasquale relished in WWII movies, the Rambo series and the Rocky series; he would watch anything with Sylvester Stallone in it. His infectious personality and good-natured heart will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. Loving father of Vincent Tortora (Stella), Zina Gargiulo, Rita Tortora and Nick Tortora (Bonnie). Cherished grandfather of Noelle Guerriero, Pasquale & Nyekha Tortora, Mia & Ben Marino, Nicholas Tortora, Anastasia & Daniel Ciluffo, Vincent & Annalise Tortora, and John Gargiulo. Beloved uncle of Luke Musetti. Adored great-grandfather of Angelina Guerriero, Abigail Guerriero, Fiorella Guerriero, Santino Guerriero, Raffaele Guerriero, Grace Ciluffo, and Esme Marino; and he was anxiously awaiting the birth of two more great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, New York. A funeral service will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday. Entombment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York on Wednesday, March 15, 2023.

Pasquale Tortora

May 1, 1935 - March 11, 2023