FRANCIS "FT" TORZON

Francis “FT” Torzon, known for the signature FT monogram with two hearts that he placed on all of his correspondence, passed away peacefully at 94 years old on December 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 30, 1931, FT lived a life defined first by devotion to his family, then by the countless quiet acts of kindness he offered to others, and finally by his proud service to his country, all done humbly and without ever seeking recognition. FT was an original member of the 138th Fighter Squadron, established in 1947. As the unit evolved and later became the 174th Tactical Fighter Wing, it earned the nickname “The Boys from Syracuse.” FT was the last surviving member of that original group, forever linking him to a historic chapter in New York’s aviation and military heritage. Alongside his National Guard service, FT worked at Crucible Steel, where he built an extraordinary 47-year career. At his retirement, he was honored as both the oldest employee at age 72 and the longest-tenured employee in the company’s history. He was cherished by coworkers for the monthly dinners he and his beloved wife Barbara cooked for more than twenty colleagues and for his humor and lighthearted pranks that made long shifts brighter. He was married for 54 years to his beloved wife, Barbara, to whom he remained faithfully devoted until her passing. He was also preceded in death by his daughter Jennifer. For more than four decades, FT became a legend within his family and the Syracuse community through his cherished “graffiti letters.” Each hand-decorated, personalized, and never duplicated, these letters, more than 45,000 in total—were sent to family, friends, and strangers who needed a smile. His extraordinary dedication to uplifting others was so unique that local news stations featured his story. FT’s kindness extended far beyond his correspondence. He formed friendships with the Wegmans cashiers he saw almost daily for bottle returns and became a beloved regular to the McDonald’s drive-through staff, ordering the same 2 hash browns every morning for years. The Solvay Post Office clerks looked forward to his daily visits, where his humor and warmth were as routine as his stacks of outgoing mail. He also made it a point to appreciate people whose work often goes unnoticed. He routinely prepared sandwiches for local trash collectors, or snow plow drivers, left notes and gift cards for mail carriers, and—even when his family teased him—well into his 80s, he picked up trash along busy intersections to ensure his community remained clean and respected. FT took joy in truly knowing the people around him. During the thousands of miles he walked inside Destiny Mall—he carefully recorded on paper—he befriended store clerks throughout the mall, learning their names, families, struggles, and successes even putting some on his "graffiti letter list". His gentle conversations and genuine interest brought comfort and connection to countless people. At home and with his grandchildren, FT taught values through simple acts of kindness and humor. He created cherished memories by hiding money and coins throughout the mall, later returning with his grandchildren to see whether someone had been blessed by discovering one—small ripples of joy he quietly sent into the world. FT is survived by five of his six children—Debbie Torzone, Andy DeLong, Michael DeLong, Sarah (Rob) Remhild and Stephen (Raelynn) Torzone—as well as 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, all carrying forward pieces of his humor, gentleness, and generous heart. His legacy is simple and extraordinary: a life of service, devotion, joy, and quiet generosity—delivered one letter, one conversation, one smile, and one small act of kindness at a time. Though his physical presence is gone, FT’s spirit will continue to live on in every life he touched. Rest in peace, FT. Your kindness, your humor, and your love will echo through generations. Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Monday, December 8, 2025 at BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, 2601 Milton Avenue. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12:30 PM Tuesday December 9, 2025 at Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr. Syracuse. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Syracuse. Please share online tributes and memories at www.bagozzitwins.com.

FRANCIS "FT" TORZON

May 30, 1931 - December 2, 2025