Michael M. Torma
September 12, 1934 ~ July 26, 2017 (age 82) 82 Years OldShare using:
Michael M. Torma
September 12, 1934 - July 26, 2017
Michael M. Torma, 82, Michigan City, IN passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at 3:45 A.M. due to complications from heart failure at Hospice Franciscan Communities in Michigan City, IN. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, IN is handling arrangements. There are no funeral services planned.
"Big Mike" was born September 12, 1934 in Donora, PA to the late Michael Torma and Maria Ozohanics. On October 6, 1979 he married Barbara Potempa (deceased).
Survivors include son, Andy Torma of Michigan City, IN and daughter Tracy Hoffman (David) of Carmel, IN.
Mike graduated from Donora High School in 1952. Standing 6’ 5" and weighing nearly 270 lbs., Mike headed to Purdue University where he played defensive tackle under Coach Stu Holcomb. Before joining the Air Force in May 1954, he was stationed with a Radio Company in Birkenfeld, Germany until 1958. When asked why he left Purdue after only two years, Mike would jokingly respond, "Purdue couldn’t teach me no more…I already knew it all." He relished the esprit de corps of the Air Force and established life-long friends there.
After returning from Germany, Mike worked as a Labor Foreman at Bethlehem Steel’s 160" Plate Mill Division at Burns Harbor for 34 years. He possessed a talent for fixing engines and worked at B & E Marina part-time. Always proud of his Hungarian heritage, Mike captained his boat named "The Happy Hunky" on Lake Michigan, where he enjoyed fishing.
Upon retirement, Mike repaired mowers and small engines, selling them at the Wildwood Flea Market. He was a great purveyor of MANY things, and if you were one of the "lucky ones," you may have received a 50 lb. bag of potatoes, a gross of very green bananas, or a homemade computer from him. When asked what kind of merchandise he sold, he would respond, "Canary Merchandise…cheap, cheap, cheap, cheap, cheap."
He traveled the United States by RV with wife, Barbara, and son, Andy. Mike was "one of a kind" who loved life and people. He was a good provider for his family, was loyal to others, and had a big heart. He will be missed!
