Milford and Brewer, Maine - John Alden Torrey of Milford and Brewer, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on April 3, 2026, at the age of 79. John was born to Glen and Jane Torrey on December 12, 1946, in Lewiston, Maine.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. Following his military service, John graduated from the University of Maine in 1972. He went on to build a long career in the forest products industry, working for Diamond International and its successor companies from 1972 until 2005. After retirement, he continued doing the work that he loved by operating a small wood procurement business.

John deeply cherished time spent with his family, especially at the family camp on Junior Lake, a place he loved visiting throughout the year. He also enjoyed traveling with family and creating lasting memories together. John shared a particularly special bond with his grandson, Dylan Thibodeau. During Dylan's battle with cancer, John was there to help care for and support him. Years later, Dylan lovingly returned that care by helping to look after John during his illness until his passing, a testament to their deep connection and love for one another.

John formed countless lifelong friendships through his forestry career, where his love of the outdoors brought him close to his colleagues. Beyond work, he cherished time spent with his fishing buddies - days filled with laughter and stories that grew more colorful each year. His friends remember him as loyal, generous, and always ready with a helping hand or a good tale. His friends continued to visit with him, call, and take him to lunch throughout his illness.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Muriel Torrey of Brewer; children, Megan Wellman, Amy Torrey and partner, Ryan Elsemore, Jason Richards and wife, Sally, and Kelly Thompson and husband, Chad. He was a proud grandfather to Mikayla Richards, Kacey Wellman, Bryce Richards, Hannah Richards, Lexi Thibodeau, Dylan Thibodeau, Olivia Fick, Brooklyn Fick, Adam Thompson, and Grace Thompson; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by sisters, Nancy Wright, Cindy Whiting and husband, Bob, and Glenna Berman and husband, Max; sisters-in-law, Brenda Cote and husband, Ron, and Kimberly Fredette and husband, Kevin; and brother-in-law, Allan Melanson. John was predeceased by parents, Glen and Jane Torrey; in-laws, Jack and Norma Melanson; brother-in-law, Sam Wright; and sister-in-law, Mary Melanson.

Services will be held at Birmingham Funeral Home on Friday, April 10, with visitation at 12 p.m. and a service at 1 p.m. followed by a luncheon at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to Old Town Animal Orphanage.

John will be remembered for his love of family, his loyalty to those he cared about, and the many cherished memories made at the lake with those closest to him.