Mr Michael Torchia

Michael Torchia passed away September 6, 2025 at Elmhurst Hospital, Elmhurst, Illinois. Born August 7, 1946 in Melrose Park, Illinois son of Anthony and Josephine (Trobbiani) He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Toni Lynn Torchia; wife Susan (Pittman) and son Michael. “Torch” to his friends and colleagues had vast experience shooting, directing and producing TV news, commercial and industrial projects plus, magazine formats. Traveling the globe, he worked with every major broadcast outlet in the country. After attending Southern Illinois University, Torch began his broadcast career at WSNS-TV Chicago. While there he worked on live talk shows and sports events directing broadcasts of the DePaul Blue Demons, the University of Illinois men's basketball, the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago White Sox. Torch was the director of the double header at Comiskey Park when the infamous Disco Demolition riot erupted between games in 1979. Eventually, ABC7Chicago hired him as a cameraman shooting news and programming. Following this, he freelanced his camera skills with The Orpah Winfrey Show and countless “Torch Productions”. Eventually, Torch co-founded Pixel Brothers which produced corporate and commercial video projects. During this time, he was Operations Manager for NBC Universal’s Jerry Springer Show and Steve Wilkos Show delivering 2 one-hour daily talks shows for syndication. Later Torch was founding partner and executive producer of Kinzie Street Studios. Besides program development he was Executive Producer for the syndicated Treasure Hunters Roadshow. In the past twenty-five years, Torch continued working part time for ABC7 Chicago in their programming department. His last broadcast ‘gig’ was the 2025 Bud Billiken Day parade. In 2005, the Chicago Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Presented Michael Torchia with The Silver Circle Award for his outstanding contribution to the broadcast industry. Known by all as a gregarious, positive, and generous friend. He always claimed everywhere was his “old neighborhood”. Torch was also a legend behind the broadcast scene. If a picture is worth a thousand words, his work spoke volumes. A memorial service is pending.

Mr Michael Torchia

August 7, 1946 - September 6, 2025