Gerald Ross Torrence – Polk City, Florida (formerly of Hookstown)
Gerald Ross Torrence, 81, of Polk City, Florida, formerly of Hookstown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 2, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida, surrounded by his loving family.
Known to his friends as Jerry or “Jed,” Jerry lived his life with a simple purpose: helping others. He rarely hesitated to lend a hand, and his willingness to serve his community touched countless lives throughout his lifetime.
Jerry was a proud Mason and dedicated more than 50 years to the Hookstown Volunteer Fire Department in Pennsylvania. During his remarkable career in the fire service, he served as Chief for 38 years. He also served as Hookstown’s Emergency Management Coordinator as well as being a part of Beaver County’s Haz-Mat Team. His commitment to the fire service extended far beyond answering calls. As an instructor, Jerry taught, mentored, and helped shape generations of firefighters throughout Beaver County, leaving behind a legacy that will continue through the many people he trained and inspired.
After retiring from his career as a welder at AES, Jerry worked Security at South Side Area Schools. Then he retired again, and he and his wife, Frani, moved to Florida, happy to be warm and away from snow. Retirement did not diminish his desire to help others. While living in an RV community, he continued to be someone everyone could count on, working as a maintenance/handy man and helping his neighbors whenever he could.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Hazel Torrence; his beloved wife of 32 years, Frances Torrence; and his niece, Lisa (Torrence) Swanson.
He is survived by his children, Jeri Sue (Mark) New, Todd (Rhonda) Searight, Christine (Ron) Roberts, Kimberly (Terry) Moore, and Shelly (Kenny) Elkins; his brothers, Tom Torrence and Terry Torrence; his grandchildren, Jeremy, Nathan, and Alexis Beam; Megan (Marcus Rogers) Searight; Wade Searight; Cole (Eliza) Searight; Shelby (Austin) Hunter; Makenzie (Cody) Glotz; Makayla Moore; Amber Searight; and Hailee Elkins; 12 great-grandchildren; his special nephew, Trevor Torrence; his beloved fur baby, Molly; and countless family and friends who were blessed to know him in both Pennsylvania and Florida.
Jerry leaves behind more than memories. He leaves behind the people he helped, the firefighters he taught, the lives he touched, and the legacy of service he built over more than five decades. To many, he was Chief. To others, he was a teacher, mentor, neighbor, friend, father, and family member. But to those who knew him best, he was simply Jerry—a man who spent his life helping others.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 2 pm at the Hookstown Volunteer Fire Department, 102 Silver Slipper Road, Hookstown Pa, 15050. The service will be followed by a celebration of life in the same location.
At the request of the family, McConnell Funeral Home is sharing this obituary. We extend our condolences to Jerry’s family and our appreciation for his many years of dedication and service to our community.
