John R. Torrese, 79, of Fulton passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026 peacefully into God’s loving arms after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, surrounded by his loved ones who never left his side. He was born in Fulton on July 20, 1946 and was the son of Rosario “Jerry” Torrese. John was a proud U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. He served aboard the antisubmarine warfare aircraft carrier, USS Wasp, CVS-18 which famously recovered the Gemini 9 space capsule and its astronauts in the Western Atlantic Ocean. In addition to his service at sea, John also served as a member of the Navy Seabees, where his dedication and work ethic reflected his deep commitment to his country.

       After returning home from the U.S. Navy, John was employed at Black Clawson, Nestle’s and the Miller Brewery where he worked for 17 years until the plants closure in the 1980’s. He later became the proud owner of the Torrese Car Company, which he operated for more than 20 years.

       John had a lifelong passion for motors and mechanics. He was a DIRT track racing driver in the Late Model Division, proudly racing car #53. He was a true craftsman and built a one-of-a-kind show bike from a box of old parts- a Harley Davidson Panhead Chopper which he proudly displayed at several motorcycle shows.

       Johnny could build or fix just about anything and was always willing to help anyone in need. He was loved by many and deeply cherished his family and lifelong friends.

       In May of 1967 just six months after they met, he married the love of his life, Donna Piazza. They began a blessed union that would last for 58 years. Together they raised four beloved children and built a life rooted in love, commitment and family.

       John is survived by his wife, Donna Torrese; his son, John (Beth) Torrese, Jr.; his daughters, Julie (Keith) Chrestler, Jennifer Lynn Torrese and Jaime Lynn Torrese who gave him eight beautiful grandchildren, Christopher, Anthony, Nat, Nathan and Naomey Torrese, Nevan John Torrese-Deveney, Emily and Jonathan Vieru; four great grandchildren, Ian, Giovanni, Brooklyn and Leonardo Torrese. He loved each of them all so much. His children and grandchildren were his heartbeat; a true family man. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

       Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026 with services to follow at Brown Funeral Home, 21 Flood Drive in Fulton. In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, CNY Chapter, 5015 Campuswood Dr., Suite 102, East Syracuse, NY 13057, David’s Refuge, 1035 Seventh North Street, Suite E, Liverpool, NY 13088 online at www.davidsrefuge.org or to Breakthrough T1D Research (formerly JDRF), P.O. Box 5042 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5042 or online at www.breakthrought1d.org. Condolences for the Torrese family may be left at www.brownfuneralhomefulton.com.