Andrew M. "Drew" Torpey

Drew (he HATED being called Andrew) Torpey did it Janet’s way for the 50 years they were together, but in the end decided to do it his own way…..stubbornly!  Born on July 7, 1949 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Drew was the baby of 5 children coming along after an 11 year gap SURPRISE!

At the age of nine Drew was struck by a car while playing with friends.  With doctors expecting him to not survive, or be a vegetable at best, he defied all odds and not only survived but flourished.  With a lot of love and prayers he was sidelined for only a year, and in 1968 graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School.

Attending Hiram Scott College, majoring in fun and games and a little bit of studying, hubba hubba hit when he met Janet Bird at a basketball game in February of 1971.  Returning to Philadelphia to care of his sick parents, Drew was able to convince Janet to make the trip and on October 22, 1971 they were married in Millbourne Pennsylvania.   

Big city life didn’t suit Janet, so while on their way to visit family in Oregon they stopped in Horseshoe Bend Idaho.  Drew applied for and got a job at the local lumber mill so they stayed…for 26 years.  In 1972 they had a son, Jason, and in 1976 welcomed their daughter Juliene.

The mill shut down and Drew decided to finish his education, so he enrolled at BSU.  In 1989 he graduated with a BA in corrections and counseling…which he promptly did not use.  He found his calling a short time later working for the Idaho State School and Hospital.  In 1998 Drew and Janet left for bigger city life and moved to Nampa.  It didn’t take Janet long to fill the once empty yard so they moved again for the “last” time to Marsing in 2001.  20 years after starting at ISSH, many friendships, and a lot less hair later Drew was forced to retire after one of many heart attacks.  He lived the life of luxury while Janet lived her dream driving semi-truck.  He had hit the big time, he finally had a sugar momma.  In 2016 Janet had once again filled the yard and convinced Drew that the acre plus was just a bit too much work, so they moved for the “last, last” time to Goldcrest retirement community.

Drew was a simple man, not needing much in the way of material things.  But what he loved he did so with conviction and passion.  He loved God, his family, the Philadelphia Eagles (you’d know if you ever heard him on a football Sunday), all things Philly like tasty cakes, hoagies, cheesesteaks and soft pretzels.  He loved Motown music (how his foot would tap), writing scathing letters to the editor, reading to learn and mostly his wife Janet.

Drew and Janet enjoyed many trips throughout the United States (Some would say Janet drug him along on her adventures). They traveled extensively once retired including 6 cruises.  It was on their last cruise in 2020 that Drew fell and broke his hip.  After coming home to recover he fell numerous more times breaking his wrist, hand, and back.  After one of these falls Janet took him to the doctor where Drew was diagnosed with cancer.  The family respected his wishes for no treatment and enjoyed every minute that they had left with him.  On August 21, 2021 at the age of 72, surrounded by his wife and kids, Drew left this earth to be with God and his family.

Drew is proceeded in death by:  Father, Maurice Ignacious Torpey Jr, Mother Mary Cecelia Sibel Torpey, Sister Joan Lottinger, Brother Barry Torpey and Brother Guy Torpey.

He is survived by his wife Janet Bird Torpey, Son Jason(Jana) Torpey, Daughter Juliene Torpey, Grandchildren Dylan(Kylah) Limbaugh, Jonah Torpey, Jaren Torpey, Anala Torpey and Jada Torpey.  Great grandchildren Damon and Noah.  Sister Gerri Wheaton and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Treasure Valley Hospice for all their love and care.

Drew’s funeral will be held Thursday August 26, 2021, 11am at the Nampa Funeral Home.  He didn’t get his way with being buried at the house in Marsing, so compromised and will be buried at Hillcrest cemetery following the funeral with a reception following at the Goldcrest community center.

The service will be live streamed and here is the link for the live streaming https://my.gather.app/remember/andrew-drew-m-torpey

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Andrew M. "Drew" Torpey, please visit our floral store.