David “Dave” Yul Torrance Sr.
June 27, 1959 – July 8, 2026
David Yul Torrance Sr., known to most as “Dave”, was born June 27, 1959, at Meadowbrook Hospital in Long Island, New York. Dave was the beloved son of Katie. He grew up in Rochester, New York, surrounded by his family, where he attended Elementary School #58 and Madison Senior High School.
From a young age, Dave was remarkably hardworking, easy-going, and helpful. As the only boy among eight children, he held a deep love for his family and did everything he could to support them. His entrepreneurial spirit bloomed early; at just eight years old. Dave and a few neighborhood friends started their own business. Crafting their own shoe-shine kits, they headed downtown to shine shoes at Midtown Plaza and surrounding businesses. The boys took great pride in earning their own money, and they made a substantial amount of it. Dave also worked at the Star Market on Jefferson Avenue, carrying grocery bags for people in the community.
The money Dave earned gave him the freedom to enjoy his favorite childhood hobbies. He loved collecting oversized G.I. Joe action figures and spent countless focused hours meticulously assembling model car kits. His creativity didn’t stop there; Dave had a brilliant, imaginative mind and loved to sketch detailed drawings and design his own new inventions.
Faith, family, and community shaped Dave’s upbringing. Alongside his mother and sisters, he grew up attending church on Hawley Street under the leadership of Pastor Stone. As he grew older, he loved hanging out and making memories with his close neighborhood friends. Together, they spent countless hours playing basketball at the local YMCA. One memorable summer, Dave received a YMCA scholarship to attend an overnight camp for a week. It was there that he learned how to swim, eventually becoming an exceptional swimmer—a newfound skill and the confidence that directly inspired his next great adventure.
Dave proudly joined the U.S. Navy in 1977. After honorably completing his time in the military, he returned home to Rochester, working various local jobs before finding his true professional calling on the open road. As a cross-country truck driver, he drove for several companies, exploring the country he had served. At home, Dave was a man of many talents, most notably in the kitchen. He was an exceptional cook and baker, best known by family and friends for his incredible Italian recipes and masterful seafood dishes.
Dave was later united in marriage to Elizabeth Dilbert. From this union, Dave was blessed with his children and grandchildren, whom he loved very much and who represent his lasting legacy.
On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, David Y. Torrance Sr. quietly slipped away in his sleep and entered into eternal rest. While his passing marks the end of his journey here on earth, his memory, his unique spirit, and the love he had for his family will forever remain alive in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
Dave was preceded in death: by his beloved wife, Elizabeth; his cherished son, David Jr.; his loving mother, Katie Torrance; and his dear twin sisters, Karen Williams and Kimberly Bowen.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving daughters: Vanessa Torrance, Melondy (Brian) Wiggins, and Daisy (Matthew) Baker; his son, Andre C. Torrance: his beloved grandchildren: Alana, Allen, Kennedy, Katie, Zoey Chloé Wiggins, Dominick and Gianni Torrance, Messiah Hagins Torrance, Jade and Josephine Baker; sisters: Gloria Torrance, Charlotte Torrance, Yvette Torrance, Sherrie Torrance and Crystal Waite; nieces and nephews: Robert Lewis, Cedric Bowen, Thaddeus Bowen, Kimberly Hill, Torrance Wright, Charles Collins and Ian Waite. He also leaves a host of loving cousins, great-nieces and nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will deeply miss his presence, but forever celebrate his life.
A service will be held Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11AM with prior visitation from 10-11AM at Dierna Funeral Home.
Private interment at Western NY National Cemetery.
Leave a Comment