Michael J. Torpey Jr. passed away peacefully March 30, 2026, in Cape May, N.J., after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Born Jan. 21, 1946, in Gloucester City, N.J., Mike lived a life marked by kindness, humor, bravery and grace, deeply valuing the people and places he loved.
Mike was the beloved husband of Martha, his partner of 58 years. They met at the University of Pennsylvania, where Martha was a nursing student, and together they built a marriage grounded in faith, love and shared purpose.
They raised three children in South Burlington, Vt: Elizabeth Torpey Hecht, Michele Torpey Doyle and the late John Walker Torpey. Mike was a devoted PopPop to Ana, John, Tommy, Katie and Caroline, treasuring every moment with them and celebrating their achievements with unwavering pride and support.
A Wharton School of Business graduate, Mike carried his education into a long and respected career at IBM Burlington (VT) from 1968 to 1999, with a brief assignment in Manassas, Va. He also served 20 years in the National Guard 40th Army Band, reflecting his discipline, musical spirit and generous humor.
An Episcopalian, Mike was deeply committed to his faith and community. He served as Senior Warden at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Cape May Point, participated actively at the Church of the Advent in Cape May and retained deep connections to All Saints’ Episcopal Church in South Burlington, Vt.
With Martha, he volunteered with Meals on Wheels, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, Literacy Volunteers and supported the Committee to Save the Babies, welcoming their son John into the family through this cause.
Above all, Mike loved his family. He enjoyed camping, fishing, sailing, beach days and never missed a game, race or recital. In retirement, he and Martha cherished their dream home in Cape May, embracing a life filled with family, laughter, the beach and Jimmy Buffett’s music.
“Some of it’s magic, some of it’s tragic, but I’ve had a good life all the way!”
Relatives and friends were received April 4 at Spilker Funeral Home. The funeral ceremony followed at the Episcopal Church of the Advent. Interment will be private and at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to either the Episcopal Church of the Advent, 612 Franklin St., Cape May, NJ 08204 or to St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, PO Box 261, Cape May Point, NJ 08212.
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