Charles M. Torongo

Charles M. Torongo of Saginaw, Michigan

Passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at Edgewood Assisted Living in Saginaw. He was 96 years old. Charles M. Torongo was born on May 27, 1923, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Louis and Isabel (Dinninger) Torongo. A former resident of Troy, Michigan, Charles moved back to Saginaw in 1995. He was a 1941 graduate of St Mary Cathedral High School. Following graduation, Charles proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II from 1942 - 1945, receiving an honorable discharge and many awards and commendations. He married Karen Sobol Colby in 1967; she preceded him in death in 1994. Charles was formerly employed with Michigan Bell and was the past president of local #4108, the Communication Workers of America. In 1967, he began working for the Communication Workers of America as an international representative, where he was assigned to work in Washington D.C. and Detroit, Michigan. Charles retired in 1988 after 21 years of service. He was the former owner of Torongos Cafe in Port Hope. Charles was a life member of the American Legion Post #22, a life member of the Telephone Pioneers of American, and a member of the Communication Workers of America Retirees Club in Saginaw.

Surviving are a three grandchildren: Paul Colby, Jr.; Kara Colby and her husband, Chris Buttry of Warren; Elizabeth Colby of Warren; five great-grandchildren: Kayley, Carter, Bonnie, Karissa, and Liliana; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Larry (Kitty) Packard of Saginaw; Mike (Sue) Sobol of Owosso; Mary Carlton of Waterford; Richard (Barbara) Shaler of Aiken, SC; John (Pat) Sobol of Bay City. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Connie Jean Torongo and her mother, Shirley Strachan Torongo; a stepson, Paul Colby; brother-in-law, Jerry Carlton.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Edgewood Assisted Living for all the love and care they provided to Charles.

A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church (St. Mary Cathedral), 615 Hoyt Ave. Rev. Fr. William Rutkowski will officiate. Military Honors and Rite of Committal will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery under the Auspices of the United States Navy and American Legion Post #22. Friends are welcome to visit with the family on Monday at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. on Monday evening led by Sr. Yvonne Mary Loucks, RSM. Charles will lie in state at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603