Joseph Anthony Tortorich

Joseph Anthony Tortorich, 87, of Hot Springs, died at his home on beautiful Lake Hamilton, Feb. 13, 2016. He was born in New Roads, La., the son of Anthony Lawrence and Carmalena Maggio Tortorich. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Shingleur Tortorich. After high school graduation in New Roads, Joe joined the Navy at 16 years of age. He served and defended his country during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He served in the Pacific Theater on the USS Topeka and off the North Korean Coast on the destroyer USS E.G. Small. After WW II, he graduated from LSU with a BS Degree in Biology. After the Korean Conflict, Joe returned to LSU to earn his Master's Degree in Microbiology. He moved with his wife, Estelle to Pine Bluff, Ark. in 1955. He was employed by the Directorate of Biological Operations at the Pine Bluff Arsenal. After the biological weapons were destroyed in 1970, Joe began working with the US Food and Drug Administration doing cancer research at the National Center for Toxicological Research. He retired from NCTR in 1989. Joe married Estelle Trahan in 1954. Estelle died in Dec. of 1990. Joe is survived by their four children: Susanne Chambliss (Dean) of Pine Bluff, Dr. Tony Tortorich (Torre) of Little Rock, Consuela Morris (Danny) of White Hall, and Carmela Gillenwater of Austin, Texas. He was PawPaw to his six grandchildren: Lauren Chambliss Meredith, Alison Chambliss (Andrew) Wynne, Dr. Joseph Tortorich (Melissa), Dr. Jordan Tortorich, Andrew Collin Tortorich, and Corinne Gillenwater of Austin, Texas. He had four great-grandchildren: Mallani Meredith, Connor Wynne, Anna Claire Wynne, and Luke Tortorich. His step-grandchildren are Austin Kassler, Ally (Justin) Landherr, and Brett (Kristen) Morris. He was affectionately called Joe T. by Patricia's children and grandchildren: Joe (Deanna) Cook, Jr. (Suzanne, Sarah Grace), Genie Brooks (Teryl, Christine), David Cook (Nichole, Rachael, Sydney) and Dora (Blake) Wegener (Patricia, Elizabeth, Blake, Jr.). He is also survived by his youngest sister, Marietta Walker of Houston, Texas. Joe was predeceased by a brother, S.J. Tortorich; a sister and brother-in-law, Catherine and VJ Russo; and brother-in-law, Davis Walker. He was Uncle Joe to his many caring nieces and nephews. They each were an important part of his extended family. After moving to Hot Springs, Joe's favorite pastime was a slow boat ride on Lake Hamilton with family and friends, and sitting in his chair looking at the lake. Joe was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, working in many capacities with St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pine Bluff. Services are Tuesday, Feb. 16, 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church, 100 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, Ark. with Father George Sanders officiating. His Vigil service is Monday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. at Ralph Robinson & Son in Pine Bluff with Deacon Noel F. "Bud" Bryant officiating with visitation after until 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to charity of one's choice. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.