Dr. Rick Toracinta

Happy Birthday Rick

To my dear friend Rick on his birthday. Gone are the days we stood  together against the wicked abortion doctors.  You were always so sweet and kind, treating all of us as your peers, kneeling on the hard cement praying to stop abortion.
You were the best looking in our group (ha ha) with your sofe voice and love of our little ones.
I loved you young man as though you were one of my sons, admiring the wonderful parents who brought you in this world. Yes God called you home way too
soon, I know you are still giving us advice even in death through your books and our memories. I hope you did not suffer, you would not have deserved that.  Rick keep us strong, safe and healthy enough to continue your work.
I see you surrounded by all the souls of the unborn, you must be very happy!
Give them all a kiss, until we meet again.........Sharon Rygg 

To An Old Friend

I remember Rick from high school. We were in several classes together, and I often spent time at Ricks house. Alma if you remember from Rick's freshman year, I was the pudgy one, lol. Do you remember picking us up at the police station when we got caught wrapping William's house?

It was with great surprise that learned that Rick was not only a meteorolegist but also a storm chaser. I never would have known of his love for weather. I am, however, not surprised at his intense involvement with the Catholic Church. Rick was devout even as a high schooler. I can remember waiting with friends while Rick ran in for Confession at the SFA Catholic student center.

I offer my Condolences to the family, and a remberence of times gone by. Rick seems to have led a successful and full life. Remember the excitement of his life, his successes and failures. And know that you will meet agian, and never say goodbye.

Brad Warren

Class of '83 Nacogdoches High School.

To A Wonderful Young Man

i remember you in youth........your mother kept me informed so well of  you as you grew into adulthood.  how proud she is of you, as well she should be.  god had to have a good reason for taking you at such a young age.  the world is a better place for having you among us, even for the short time you were here.

Happy Birthday!

Its your Birthday, 43 years ago at 10:23 am, you graced our world with your presence. I always teased you about coming into the world with such a bang, you knocked out the power up the entire East coast, true story. Everything was so dark, but the beauty of your tiny little soul brought such happiness and light into our lives.

I sang Happy Birthday to you this morning, I have done that for you for 43 years now, its just that it wasnt over the phone or you here physically in my presence. I know your beautiful spirit is with us today as we celebrate your special day with cake and balloons. We are releasing to the heavens special messages to you.

I love you my Son, have a wonderful day in heaven, I will be watching for your sign.

Forever your Mom.

Getting to know those close to us

I was (and still am) a graduate student in Atmospheric Sciences at Ohio State, working in the same research group as Rick. Having only known him for a brief time (I had joined the research group earlier in 2005), I did not get to know Rick as well as others that have posted tributes. The personal interactions that I did have with Rick were always pleasant, and he was helpful in getting me started in meteorology research. However, in the often impersonal workplace environment, one does not always get to know the true lives of our colleagues. Unfortunately it was not until after Rick's passing that I learned how wonderful of a friend, son, Christian, and human being Rick really was. I hope and pray that myself and others may take the time for the personal relationships that truly matter in life.