Thomas R. Torinus, a longtime journalist and former newspaper owner, died Friday, Jan. 8, in Egg Harbor. He was 82.
The second of six children, Torinus was born Nov. 21, 1938, in De Pere, to John Bush and Louise Bambenek Torinus. His father, who spent more than 50 years in journalism, was inducted in 2001 into the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame.
After graduating from St. Norbert’s High School in 1956, Torinus attended Dartmouth College, where he majored in economics and became a member of the school’s ski team. Following graduation in 1960, he worked as assistant to the general manager of the New York Daily News.
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Torinus returned to Wisconsin to work for the Post Corporation, which at the time owned The (Appleton) Post-Crescent and WLUK-TV in Green Bay. During his time with the company, Torinus served as a reporter, editorial page writer and editor for The Post-Crescent, where his father was editor and general manager at the time. He also served as news director and general manager of WLUK-TV.
In 1976, Torinus and his two brothers, Mark and John Jr., bought the Menominee Herald-Leader in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Torinus served as president and editor of the newspaper for six years until it was sold in 1982.
During his time in Green Bay, Torinus met his future wife, Mary Sharp. They were married May 29, 1965, and together they had two daughters — Alexandra and Elizabeth — and two grandchildren. After more than 55 years of marriage, Tom and Mary died on the same day.
The family hopes to hold a memorial service this summer in Door County, or as soon as the COVID-19 pandemic allows.
