Daniel A. Torisky

Daniel A. Torisky, formerly of Monroeville, passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2022. Mr. Torisky was born in Pittsburgh to Andrew and Helen (Buchko) Torisky and was the brother of the late Evelyn, Roseann, and Sylvia. He served his country in the Marine Corps during the Korean War, where he was awarded the Purple Heart, UN Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and The National Defense Service Medal-Korean P.U.C. He later graduated from Duquesne University. He married his first wife, Constance Van Dine. They had 4 children born between 1957 and 1960. He worked professionally for 3 advertising firms in his career: Batton, Barton, Durston and Osborne (BBD&O), Lando, and Marsteller. Mr. Torisky made the decision to leave his advertising career and devote his life full-time to autism advocacy to help families affected by autism, which was inspired by his oldest son Edward, when he showed signs of being different and was eventually diagnosed with autism. He has served as a conduit for information to parents and siblings, and an advocate for education and treatment tailored to the unique needs of autism. Daniel, Connie, and others co-founded the National Society for Autistic Children (NSAC) for support and information-sharing. NSAC later became the Autism Society of America, of which Mr. Torisky served a term as President from 1990 to 1994. Daniel became the President of the Autism Society of Pittsburgh [now Autism-Pittsburgh], replacing his wife Connie, who had been the founder and President, until she passed in 1996. Daniel’s chief focus was on the autism/ special needs families of the Pittsburgh area. He and Connie were active in promoting local organizations to help families like theirs. He helped found the Allegheny East MH/MR Base Program, established in 1969. An advocate for establishing and expanding the group home system, Mr. Torisky helped found the first community group home in Pennsylvania in 1969, the Summer Program for the Education of Autistic Kids (S.P.E.A.K.) in 1974, and the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix in 1983, which still serves as a fundraising event for the Autism-Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School. He was also the co-founder of the Spectrum Charter School for Autistic and Developmentally Disabled Adolescents in 2000. In May of 2002, he married his second wife Dr. Donna Durno, who is a fellow traveler in education advocacy. Mr. Torisky was hospitalized in 2018, and spent his remaining years in Longwood Senior Care in Oakmont PA. He nevertheless remained active to his final days with autism advocacy, assisting his son Jesse, who had succeeded him as President. He has left a legacy of good works and enlightenment for special needs families in the Pittsburgh area, and along with other pioneering parents has helped foster the current massive interest, research and understanding of autism that is seen today. Daniel is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Durno; his children, Edward Torisky, Danielle Torisky, Rebecca Torisky, and Jesse and his wife,Tracy Torisky; his grandchildren, Benjamin (Lauren) Torisky and Carly Torisky (Ness Sufrin), and his stepchildren, Keith (Jill) Wall, Karen (Allyn) Lamoreaux, and Kristin Chou; and step-grandchildren, Kelsey LaCroix, Caitlin and Fred Larson, Max and Stephanie Chou, Lief Chou, Jaden Chou, JR Chou, Eric and Chelsea Wall, and Nathan and Kathleen Wall. His children remember him as an avid golfer, a lover of the outdoors and gardening, and an inspiration to them all. Friends will be received Thursday, November 17th from 6-8 p.m. and Friday, November 18th from 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the GENE H. CORL FUNERAL CHAPEL INC. AND CREMATION SERVICES OF MONROEVILLE, 4335 Northern Pike (412-372-2100). Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 19th at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish at St. Bernadette Church, 245 Azalea Drive, Monroeville. (Everyone please meet at the Church). In lieu of flowers, Daniel had requested that donations be made to the autism advocacy organization he so faithfully served: Autism-Pittsburgh, Professional Bldg. 1, Suite 1200, 11676 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA.,15090. Please visit www.corlfuneralchapel.com to leave condolences to the family.

Daniel A. Torisky

January 12, 1932 - November 10, 2022