Rich Torraca, former Lautenberg staffer, dies at 42

Richard M. Torraca II, a well-liked former aide to U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg, died suddenly at his Milltown home on September 15.  He was 42.

Torraca worked on Lautenberg’s staff as a project coordinator from 2003 until 2010.  He joined the Senate staff after working on Lautenberg’s successful 2002 campaign.

Before that he worked for Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-Long Branch).

Torraca left Lautenberg’s office in 2010 to become the executive director of the Somerset County Democratic Committee.  He later worked for New York Law School and has been employed by Princeton University since 2013.  He was an avid outdoorsman.

Essex County Freeholder President Brendan W. Gill, who served as Lautenberg’s state director and campaign manager, mourned the death of the young former Senate staffer.

“I was shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Rich. We worked together for years in Senator Lautenberg’s office,” said Gill.  “He was a hard worker who took pride in his duties, and his work ethic was surpassed by his character. H, and he will always be remembered as a man who loved helping others.  On behalf of my family, I send my condolences to Rich’s  parents, his sisters, and his entire family.”

Torraca is survived by his parents, grandfather, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-6 PM at The Crabiel Home for Funerals in Milltown.  A funeral mass is set for 10 AM on Monday at St. Bartholomew R.C. Church in East Brunswick.