James Torpey (1921-1944)

LYNCH, MORIARITY, TORPEY

Posted By: Kelli Wilslef (email)
Date: 2/7/2011 at 12:42:57

MEMORIAL MASS IS HELD FOR JAMES TORPEY
Maquoketa Community Press
Thursday, January 20, 1944

A memorial mass was held for Pfc. James F. Torpey at St. Patrick’s church, Delmar on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. with Rev. Fr. J. J. Hopkins in charge.

Pfc. Torpey has been officially declared dead according to a telegram from the War Department, received Friday by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Torpey of DeWitt, former Delmar residents. Word was received two weeks ago that Torpey was missing in action since Dec. 20 while on a flight in the Asiatic area. He was a flight engineer on a transport plane in India and China.

A requiem mass for him was also celebrated on Monday at 9 a.m. by Rev. Fr. John Moriarity at St. Joseph’s church in DeWitt.

On Saturday at 9 a.m. there will be a requiem mass at the Immaculate Conception Church, Petersville, conducted by Rev. Fr. John Lynch.

James F. Torpey was born April 27, 1921, near Delmar, and was graduated from the Delmar High school in 1938. Prior to his induction on August 26, 1942, he left DeWitt for Army service and was never home on furlough.

Torpey received his air corps training at St. Petersburg, Fla., Gulfport, Miss., Bolling air field and Gravelly field both in Washington D. C. and Salt Lake City air base, Salt Lake City, Utah. He received his wings at Gravelly Point. He left this country last June arriving in India, July 21.

Pfc. Torpey is survived by his parents: two brothers; Roger and William, both of Delmar and three sisters, Sister Mary Ruth of Kalispell, Mont., Catherine of Clinton and Mildred at home.