Dr. Raphael John Torontow

Dr. Raphael John Torontow, 85, Nevada, MO passed away on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Nevada Regional Medical Center. John was born July 5, 1938 in London, England to Jack and Sheila (Lee) Torontow. He was united in marriage to Vilia Jane Hartley and she survives of the home.

Born in London, England. John grew up during World War II. He was evacuated during The Blitz to the English countryside with his mother, brother, cousins, and other British children. John was educated at Sherborne school and received his medical degree from Trinity college Dublin. In his youth he enjoyed competitive sailing and he loved to fish. John married Jane Hartley in 1961, and they emigrated to the United States in 1962. He completed his internship at Griffin Hospital Derby, CT. John served as a flight surgeon in the US Air Force from 1962-1965. He completed post graduate training in internal medicine at the University of Missouri, Columbia. In 1969, John moved his young wife and 4 children to Nevada MO to join the Nevada Medical Clinic where he practiced medicine for over 20 years. Next, John worked in emergency room medicine where he received the McCune Brooks Humanitarian Award 2006. He then worked for NRMC rural health care, then Cedar County Memorial Hospital Clinic until his “retirement”. John went on to become the medical director of Nevada Community Health, currently Fast Comprehensive Health and worked for Signify Health Care until his death. John was actively involved in the community, a former board member of On My Own, and made several medical mission trips to Haiti. One of those trips he brought back his newly adopted grandsons, Gueslan and Muller to his son John and wife, Rosemary. John was an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church, serving in various roles. It was not uncommon to hear his booming voice above others. He had a unique zest for life, filled with compassion and humor. John lived his life in service to others and was most proud his children are endeavoring to do the same.

In addition to his wife Jane, he is survived by four children: Sarah Torontow, Nevada, Louise Lunkenheimer (Gary), Nevada, John Torontow (Rosemary McCloskey), Silver Spring, MD, and James Torontow, Nevada; four grandchildren, Aly Lunkenheimer, Noelle Lunkenheimer, Gueslan Torontow, and Muller Torontow; a cousin, Patty Young, England; his brother-in-law, Tim Hartley, England. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Harry Torontow, and his cousin Sally Moir.

Memorial services with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the All Saints Episcopal Church in Nevada. The family will receive friends from 9:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church.

Those who wish may contribute in John’s memory to the All Saints Episcopal Church, or Honey’s Hope for Equine Rescue c/o Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

You may view obituary and send condolences on line at www.ferryfuneralhome.com