John “Corky” Joseph Torlai, 84, was born May 4, 1931 and died November 28, 2015 with his large extended family by his side. Born in Renton, WA to John L. and Katherine L. Torlai, he attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School, Renton High School and Seattle University.

Corky served in the Coast Guard in the early 1950’s. He and his siblings worked at the family’s store, Peoples Butter and Egg, at Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Corky’s father and mother started the family business in 1947, soon renamed it General Egg And Cheese Co., and it later became Springbrook Farms, Inc. Corky eventually took over the business and his wife, Mary, and their six children all worked together to help the business grow. His sons, Kevin and Anthony “Tony”, stepped in to help run the business and now the fourth generation is involved.

Corky is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Gloria Starrett and his beloved son Tony.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Frances Torlai (Cofoid), his sisters Martha (MacKenzie), Barbara (Hammontree), Judy (Barry), his brother Joseph Torlai, his children Jeannine Kuolt (Mark), Catherine Torlai (Warren Rheaume), Theresa Torlai, Colette Stickley (Ken), and Kevin Torlai (Natalie), and many grandchildren.

His nickname “Corky” was given as a young boy because of his boundless energy. He worked tirelessly to build the family business and raise a family. He was actively involved in his childrens’ lives, coaching and helping with many grade school CYO basketball and baseball teams. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren play their various sports and take them fishing. He took a great deal of satisfaction in watching his children and grandchildren grow up together on the family farm and taught all of them about the importance of faith, family and hard work.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday December 18, 2015 at 1:30pm at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church, Renton. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Catholic Relief Services.