Alfred Louis and Marion Florence LaTorella Obituary

If you are reading this, well-we've passed. As Marion might say, if this were a party, we'd be the ones showing up a bit late: Fred still irritated about something, Marion in a colorful, flowy getup-then singing, dancing, and telling stories all night.

Fred left us on May 10, 2025, at 88, and Marion followed (because of course she did) on June 6, 2025, at 84. They wouldn't have had it any other way. Their passing leaves a huge void-but also plenty of smiles and nods from those who knew them best.

Born in the Bronx-Fred on September 27, 1936, and Marion on September 16, 1940-their paths crossed years later in Manchester, Vermont. Fred told the friend who introduced them, "I'm going to marry her." Marion, ever practical, took a bit longer to come around. Against everyone's advice... she fell-and fell hard. Fred brought the adventure and spontaneity, Marion - the pursuit of knowledge and impact. Together, they were like a well-balanced cocktail-equal parts bold, sweet, and unpredictable.

Fred-a bartender, disco owner, and real estate developer-filled every room with charisma and chaos. Marion-a secretary, waitress, shop assistant, and beloved teacher-balanced him with grace, a deep generosity of spirit, and a love for bright clothes and dancing. She once described Fred with a line from Bonanza's Little Joe: "He's strong enough to be gentle."

They built a life that was loud, loving, and delightfully unfiltered - filled with opera, crosswords, cursing, and wild nights shared with their ever-present crew, "the usual suspects." Fred loved their time with family and friends, and Marion (especially with Janet) could cook for an army and clean up before anyone noticed.

They traveled the world with friends. Fred once got just he and Marion kicked out of a hotel in Salzburg, so they slept on a park bench. The two of them visited all 50 states-road trips hand-in-hand, arguing about maps, blasting love songs, and making time for cocktail hour and a great roadside diner. Never a dull moment.

Fred's years performing at the Dorset Playhouse (every Playbill proudly framed at home) were a source of immense joy. Marion loved her students, tagging, and volunteering. She was a voracious reader, keeping a book journal, annotated with quotes, and critiques. She even turned Fred into a book lover ... on his bedside in Florida, his final read, "The Last Mile" (you cannot make this stuff up!)

They adored their two sons, Todd and Paul-though Paul might say it was a "wanna-strangle-you-but-I-love-you" kind of adoration. They watched ecstatically as each built their own unique life. They always said they hit the jackpot with daughters-in-law Erin and Liz, and Marion's dreams of granddaughters came true threefold: Sophia, Bella, and Esmé lit up their world. Though they lived across the country, Fred and Marion loved an adventurous trip to visit them... and the girls adored their Grammy and Pop Pop in return.

They are survived by Todd and Paul and their families; Marion's sister Janet Torregrossa and her children Tracy, Jesse, and Lee (and their kids Ty, Terin, Liam, and James); her brother Paul DiJulio and wife Paula; and nephew Randy Valentino and wife Jeanette. They cherished every member of their extended family, and friends were just family by another name-especially if they showed up for front porch happy hour and an "Alfie Special."

A joint celebration of their wonderful lives and love will be held on September 28, 2025, at 4:00 PM at The Wilburton Inn in Manchester Village, Vermont. Bring your stories. Bonus points for impressions.

Fred and Marion believed deeply in helping others and supported Wounded Warriors, St. Jude's, March of Dimes, and Habitat for Humanity until the very end. The family asks that you honor Fred and Marion by donating to your favorite charity with your time, talent, or treasure.

Marion always said, "It's been a grand ride, and I believe I lived it to the max. Ciao!"

Fred would've added, "What she said." And then, "Mar... we gotta go!"

Together, forever. What a ride!