DANVILLE, CA -- Longtime rug industry sales executive, Edward "Trill" Torrilhon died on January 29, 2019. He was 77.
Born in Hoboken, New Jersey on October 1, 1941, Torrilhon moved to Northern California in his twenties and in the 1970's opened a showroom in the San Francisco Merchandise Mart where he wholesaled oriental rugs. Over the years he represented many top national area rug lines, including Charm Tread and Aldon area rugs, Gagalis Flokati and Belgotex machine made rugs, KVT and Amiran Oriental Rugs, and most recently Gertmenian and Sons, for whom he worked well into his seventies.
Peter Gertmenian, partner of Los Angeles based Gertmenian recalls, "My family had the pleasure of working with Trill for more than 20 years. He never took on any challenge half-heartedly. Whether it was selling rugs, caring for and supporting his family, or his charitable endeavors working with the Elks organization nationally, Trill was all-in and incredibly successful on all fronts. Trill was a one-of-a-kind gentleman whose hard work, loyalty, and friendship will never be forgotten. I can say for certain that after they made Trill, they broke the mold. He will be missed."
His friend Wally Bruchman of ACH Processing noted, "He was a charming salesman and sharp businessman who was never afraid to ask for the sale. At heart, however, he was truly a people person, remembering small details about colleagues, complimenting them on achievements, inquiring about their children and readily handing out stock tips or business advice."
Torrilhon was very active with the Elks Lodge, serving as official historian for the state of California, Exalted Ruler, and Past District Deputy. An avid collector, he provided historical stories, accolades, and Elk memorabilia to lodges around the country. Torrilhon was an enthusiastic golfer with circles of friends, who strived to live his life by the Elk motto of "Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity".
He is survived by his wife Suzanne, prior wife Dorothy, two daughters and spouses, Kim and Erick, Jesse and Taji, his sister Trilby, two grandchildren Alex and Avery, brother-in-law Geoffrey, wife Precy, nieces and nephews, Aisha, Asiyah, Zachary and Aeneas.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to the Elks National Foundation Trill Torrilhon Memorial MVS Scholarship.