John Paul Torrado

52, of Cranston, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family during Holy Week on  Wednesday, March 31, 2021. He was the beloved son of the late Martha and Luis Torrado M.D.

John Paul is survived by 5 siblings: Pilar Tasca with whom he lived following his mother’s passing in 2019, Luis and his wife Lisa, Jaqueline and her husband Jeffrey Baron M.D., Rafael and his wife Sandra, and his younger brother Alex who was selflessly devoted to him throughout his entire life.

John Paul was the loving uncle to: Eliana, Jacklyne, Christopher and Nicholas Tasca; Stephanie, Luis  C.,  Andrew, and Christian Torrado; Veronica and Gabriela Baron; and Sofia and Lucas Torrado; he was also the great uncle to Jack and Grace Bulman with whom he shared a very special relationship and love. John Paul was the brother in-law of the late Christopher Tasca and the cherished cousin of Maria Tateosian. He was the beloved cousin and godson of Elisa Waid and Polin Paez.

John Paul was born with Down syndrome. An excerpt on a Down syndrome website beautifully describes the characteristic extra chromosome as one not signaling a disability, but rather one packed with the ability to “overcome and persevere despite countless obstacles, to shine light in places that have none, and to love deeply, fiercely and unconditionally.” John Paul was an enthusiastic participant in the Rhode Island Special Olympics, an avid bowler, and a fabulous dancer. He was a member of the Cranston East Special Education class of 1989. He was a proud “Thunderbolt” and was beloved by teachers and classmates. The common theme expressed in his yearbook messages was gratitude for brightening up everyone’s day with his radiant smile, impromptu hugs, and constantly singing the verse “Don’t worry, Be Happy” as he shimmied down the hallways.

John Paul loved to travel and reveled in life’s simple pleasures like watching movies, listening to music, dancing, and above all, eating. He traveled extensively with his devoted brother Rafael, going on numerous magnificent vacations throughout the US as well as many Caribbean cruises. He was a true cheeseburger aficionado and particularly enjoyed cookouts at his brother Luis’ house and regular outings with his brother Alex to Chelo’s. John Paul loved sports and was a true “fair weather fan” who rooted for the team that won the championship after the victory, resulting in a wide array of sportswear and paraphernalia.

John Paul communicated with minimum language ability, yet he easily expressed his feelings towards others. Whether you were a daily presence in his life or simply a passerby, John Paul eagerly gave a warm, drawn out “Hi” and a handshake along with a nod or gentle hug.

John Paul was cherished by his father and mother who devoted their lives to giving him a happy home life. Those feelings were shared by his two sisters Pilar and Jakie, his advocates who were a constant presence in his life.

The family wishes to thank his devoted caregivers for their gentle and loving kindness. In addition, the family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to John Paul’s physician Chad Lamendola M.D. who was a relentless advocate and compassionate healthcare provider along with his dedicated staff.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, April 6th at 10:00 am in Holy Apostles Church, 800 Pippin Orchard Rd., Cranston. His burial will be private. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. The Mass will be LIVESTREAMED via the Nardolillo Funeral Home Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/NardolilloFH

In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted in John Paul’s memory to: http://www.dssri.org/donate OR http://facebook.com/DSSRhodeIsland