Richard A. Torbik, 86, former transportation planner
May 11, 2023
Richard Alan Torbik of the River Club, a former transportation planner for the federal and state government, died May 3. He was 86.
He was born Aug. 19, 1936, in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., the son of Alexander and Wanda Torbik. He grew up in Scotch Plains, N.J. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Clemson University in 1958 and a master’s in civil engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1964. He met his future wife, Nancy Wooten, on a blind date while she was attending Winthrop College and their first date was a Clemson football game. They were married July 2, 1960.
Mr. Torbik had a distinguished career as a civil engineer and expert in transportation planning with the Federal Highway Administration. During his career he moved frequently with his family, living in eight states and an overseas assignment. After 32 years, he retired from FHWA in Washington, D.C., as a member of the senior executive service, the highest civilian rank in federal civil service.
The Torbiks built a home and moved to Pawleys Island in 1994. They would also frequently visit their house on Lake Murray.
Two years after federal retirement, Mr. Torbik accepted a position with the state Department of Transportation where he worked for another six years.
In retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling abroad, visiting their children and grandchildren, and attending Clemson football games.
Mr. Torbik was an active member of Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and his small Christian Community group, and a Eucharist minister. He was also an active member and former president of the local Lions Club.
Mrs. Torbik died in 2015. He is survived by his children and their families, Richard Torbik Jr. (Emily), Sally Torbik Hoekstra (Douglas) and Jane Torbik Stricklin (David); his sister, Sandy Cieslarczyk; and his grandchildren, Alex Stricklin, Daniel Stricklin and Shane Hoekstra.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Goldfinch Litchfield-Pawleys Chapel. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church.
Flowers may be sent to Goldfinch Litchfield-Pawleys Chapel or donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research at brightfocus.org/adr.
