Gerald R. Della Torre

Age 81
Formerly of
Hillsborough

Gerald Robert Della Torre, 81, of Garrettsville, OH, formerly of Hillsborough, NJ, passed away on Nov. 22 at Robinson Memorial Hospital, Ravenna, OH after a long illness.

Born in Newark, NJ, preceded by his parents Grace (Beviano) and Gerardo Della Torre of Linden, NJ. Beloved husband of Virginia (Stepic) Della Torre of Garrettsville, OH. Father of Gerald Della Torre II (Patricia) of Madison, NJ. Step-Father of Virginia Conquest (Robert) of Hillsborough, NJ, Nicholas Samardge of Tucson, AZ and Ronald Samardge of Mechanicsville, VA. Brother of Richard Della Torre (Portia) of Scotch Plains, NJ and Mariane Fresco (John-Deceased) of Clark, NJ.

Gerald graduated Seton Hall University and Rochester Institute of Technology with a BA in Fine Arts and Applied Science. After graduation, Gerald became a photo journalist for several custom car magazines. He owned and operated Della Torre Photography in Hillsborough for over 40 years, specializing in medical photography. Upon retirement, he and wife Virginia opened Race Car Pride in Hillsborough, a Nascar apparel and collectible store. Gerald was also a fourth degree Knight for the Knights of Columbus, past President of the Belle Mead Rotary Club, member of the Municipal Utilities Authority and an elected member of the Hillsborough School Board. He was a member of the Hillsborough Business and Professional Association, an active member of the Hillsborough Republican Club and a parishioner of Mary, Mother of God Church in Hillsborough. With his brother Richard and their father, they restored a 1935 Dryer Sprint car as a family hobby.

Gerald is survived by his grandchildren, Julia and Michael Della Torre, Elizabeth, Ethan and Ryan Samardge. He leaves his beloved dogs Pam, Trixie and Zoe.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Portage Animal League, 8122 Infirmary Road, Ravenna, OH 44266.

Visiting hours will be from 5pm to 8pm on Friday, November 28, at the Cusick Funeral Home 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville, NJ with a Mass of Christian Burial at Mary, Mother of God Church 157 South Triangle Road in Hillsborough at 9:30am on Saturday, November 29. Entombment to follow at the Good Shepherd Mausoleum, St. Gertrude's Cemetery in Colonia, NJ.