Michael Tortora

February 21, 1954, Michael Tortora, was born in Saginaw, MI. He was the son of Raymond and Pat Tortora. He was the younger of two boys.

Mike’s passion for learning led him to obtain a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State, a Master’s degree in liberal arts from the University of Redlands in California and his PhD from the University of Michigan. He also graduated from law school.

In 1984, he married Kelly Lee of Santa Barbara. In 1986, he and Kelly settled in Fallbrook.

Mike loved many things, especially children and education, and was a man of faith. This was practiced throughout the years as he taught at St. Peter’s Catholic Church School and was an active parishioner at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Mike actively participated in the Knights of Columbus, weekend retreats and in a small faith group.

Mike was a loving father who will be greatly missed and will always be remembered for his fun, loving personality.

Mike, 54, died March 13, 2009, at UCSD Medical Center in San Diego after a long battle with a rare autoimmune disorder. He is survived by daughters Talia, 23, and Elena, 19, and father Raymond, all of Fallbrook, and brother Chuck of Holland, MI.

Services will be held Saturday, March 21, at 1 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Fallbrook.