Our beloved father passed away December 4, 2025.
Irving Ellsworth Della Torre was born in Portsmouth, NH on July 14, 1927 to James William Della Torre "Bill" and his wife Dorethea "Dorethy" Pierce Della Torre. The family lived in Portland where dad lived most of his life and was very active at the family lumber business attending lumberman conferences. He was also a member of the Woodfords Club, the Maine Charitable Mechanic's Association, was active in his church as treasurer and in the couples club and had a love for Portland that went very deep as his great uncle O.A. Della Torre started a business in Portland that later became Portland Lumber Company. The Della Torre family has been in Portland for over a hundred years.
Dad started school at four and attended grammar and high school in Portland. He went to Deering, where he ran track and played basketball. He then left school to serve his country in the Navy. While in the Navy he sailed aboard the USS Houston and saw many parts of the world including Portugal, Gibraltar, England, Norway and other countries. He marched in a one-year anniversary of VE day during his time abroad in the Navy. Upon his return to Deering High, he was elected Vice president of his senior class, graduating in 1948.
Dad attended UMaine at Orono. He played football there, where his nickname was "Del" and he was a member of the fraternity Lambda Chi Alpha. He was one of the only students with a car, so he took names and had a full car every weekend when he drove home to Portland. He graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a bachelor's degree in business administration.
Dad worked at The Portland Lumber Company ("the friendly yard"). This company was started by his father and a friend of his father's in 1933. He started working there at a very young age with his best friend Norton Sawyer. They lifted 40 lb. bags of concrete at age 12 (a task none of the older men thought they could do!) Dad became vice president and kept it going until 1978, after which he trained through the CETA program for draftsmen and worked in engineering at Portland City Hall until his retirement. He was also the city of Portland's Archivists.
He married Joyce Miner in 1955. They met at an Armory dance on Stevens Ave. He and a pal ended up giving the girls a ride home in a Portland Lumber Truck and dad got to meet Joyce's dad that night. They dated and got married on Memorial Day 1955. They lived on Glenwood Ave. in Portland until 1966 and then adventured out to a 30 plus acre farm they traded for with Al Dupuis in Saco, Maine. Al Dupuis needed to move to Portland for his job and our family was ready for the country. Those were fun years for us all. Our dad worked hard 6 days a week at the Lumber yard and came home and had more work to do on the farm. He never complained though, and dad always looked at the bright side of things which is a real inspiration and good trait to pass along. He was always there for his family and was a wonderful, caring, compassionate father who always encouraged us no matter what.
Dad was brilliant and had so much knowledge stored in that brain of his. He loved math and libraries, books of all kinds (especially atlases), history, gardening, playing chess, and bowling, and always attended our little recitals and book sales we put on at home. This attention continued with his grandchildren whose lives he was involved with in every way. He would buy rocks at our rock sales, teach us how to play chess, always sharing his vast knowledge with us all. He attended all events for his children and grandchildren. Never raising his voice at us, only patiently teaching us and being there for us and with us his entire life. A loving father with too many good traits to list. He taught us to pray at bedside before sleep. He had a strong Christian faith his whole life. He wasn't pushy with it, he just lived it. Church and receiving Holy Communion meant a lot to him. He was our rock and his faith never wavered. He loved a good meal (especially Italian cuisine) and a piece (or three) of candy, and especially in recent years happily received many special meals prepared by his children and grandchildren. A kind, caring man who I never heard speak a bad word about anyone. Truly a one of a kind special person, father and great grandfather, uncle and friend. He will be sorely missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.
Irving died Dec. 4th 2025, of natural causes, while being treated in the hospital. He was predeceased by his former wife, Joyce and siblings Richard and Judith and an infant brother, James Arthur. Survivors include his four children, Mary Elaine, James Ellsworth, Elizabeth Rose (Rick), and Ellen Joy. He also leaves behind five grandchildren Megan (Smith), Ryan, and Eric Callahan (who adored their "Bumpa" so much), and beloved granddaughters Tatiana and Yulia Heggestad. He had two wonderful great granddaughters Evelyn and Isla (Smith) who he loved dearly although not able to see in recent years: Dad kept a picture of them in his home and love for them in his heart always. He loved hearing about their sporting events like swimming and track. Dad is also an Uncle to many nieces and nephews who he loved very much. He had many friends during his life and we celebrated 87 years with a party at Dad's home in the fall of 2024 honoring his "best friendship" with Norton "Nort" Sawyer who he befriended in the fourth grade, which was a momentous occasion. They were like brothers. He also missed his special friend of many years Mary Conroy Jordan, who passed away in 2015.
Dad, at age 98 you have lived the good life and have given it your all. "Well done thy good and faithful servant!" The song that comes to mind with dad is "My Way" by one of his favorite crooners, Frank Sinatra. Thanks for all the love, care, knowledge and family time. Also, for sharing our family history, your strong unwavering Christian faith, and all the love you showed us. You gave us endless caring attention, making each of us feel so special. Thank you for all our precious memories and for always being so proud of all your children (and grand/great grandchildren!), and supporting each of us in whatever path we chose in life. We are so proud of you and the life you lived. You are forever in our hearts.
Services are private. Burial will be at the family plot at Forest City Cemetery, South Portland, Maine.
Donations in Irving Della Torre's name can be sent to these causes close to his heart;
City of Portland Landmarks (Historic Preservation Program) -- The City of Portland’s Landmarks program is part of the Historic Preservation Program within the Planning & Urban Development Department. Its mission is to safeguard Portland’s historic buildings, neighborhoods, and cultural heritage so that the city’s unique character endures for generations to come. Through official landmark designations, careful review of proposed changes to historic properties, and ongoing community engagement, the program ensures that Portland’s architectural treasures are not lost to time or development pressures.
By protecting sites of historical and cultural significance, the Landmarks program helps preserve the stories of Portland’s past while supporting the city’s future vitality. These efforts strengthen neighborhoods, encourage sustainable reuse of existing buildings, and contribute to Portland’s appeal as a vibrant, livable, and welcoming community. Donations to the program directly support this important work, helping to maintain the balance between growth and preservation and ensuring that Portland’s heritage continues to inspire residents and visitors alike.
Contributions may be directed to: City of Portland Historic Preservation Program Planning Division, City Hall 389 Congress Street, 4th Floor Portland, ME 04101 Email: [email protected] Website: www.portlandmaine.gov/490/Historic-Preservation
The Portland Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and improving Portland’s public parks, trails, and open spaces. Working in partnership with the City of Portland’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities, the Conservancy raises philanthropic capital and mobilizes community involvement to ensure that Portland’s green spaces remain vibrant, accessible, and welcoming for all.
Through projects such as the revitalization of Riverton Trolley Park and the creation of Portland’s first dedicated public bike park, the Conservancy demonstrates its commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities while preserving the city’s natural heritage. By investing in park improvements, trail development, and community programming, the Conservancy strengthens neighborhoods, promotes healthy lifestyles, and fosters a deeper connection between residents and the outdoors.
Donations to the Portland Parks Conservancy directly support these initiatives, helping to maintain and expand Portland’s treasured public spaces. Contributions ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty, history, and recreational opportunities that Portland’s parks provide, while also building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.
Contact Information for Donations: Portland Parks Conservancy c/o Department of Parks, Recreation & Facilities City Hall, 389 Congress Street Portland, ME 04101 Phone: 207-871-1885 Website: Portland Parks Conservancy
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras Funeral Homes, www.mainefuneral.com
- Celebrating the Lives of Veterans -