Robbie Torrise

1961

OWNER ROBBIE'S OCEAN FRESH SEAFOOD

WRITTEN BY ROBBIE TORRISE

Robert Francis Torrise was born on December 28, 1961, in San Francisco, California.  Robbie was the eighth of ten children born to Anthony and Gloria Torrise. Robbie grew up in an Italian Catholic neighborhood. He attended Epiphany grammar school where he was an altar boy, and then attended Riordan High School. Having been raised nearly one mile from the famous Candlestick Park, his first paying job was as a vendor selling concessions for the 49ers and Giants.

With Robbie’s mother’s side of the family from Northern Italy, and his father’s side from Giarre, Sicily, his culture and roots heavily influenced his life. As an adult, he’s visited Italy and Sicily several times, most recently just a few weeks ago. Being there really made him appreciate his heritage and roots, and how hard his ancestors worked to come to America.

Robbie had the example of his parents’ strong work ethic and resilience to inspire him throughout his life. When he was twelve years old, his two older brothers, Michael and Peter, opened a seafood market in his neighborhood. The market, “Torrise Brothers Fish Grotto”, was where they taught him about the seafood industry, and so his passion began.

His brother Peter eventually moved to Monterey in the early 1980s and it was when Robbie came to visit Peter that he met his future wife, Fran Tringali. Robbie eventually moved to Monterey and he married Fran in November 1989. Together they have raised a daughter, Christine (Michael Marotta) and a son, Anthony. They have also been blessed with two grandchildren, Isabella and Michael Marotta, who are the light and pride of their lives.

Robbie continued working in the seafood industry for Monterey Fish Company until the mid 1990s, and also fished in Alaska, San Francisco, Southern California and Monterey Bay. As much as he enjoyed his job, it was always his dream to start a seafood company of his own. In May of 2002, he made his dream a reality. Robbie’s Ocean Fresh Seafood was officially in business.

Robbie belongs to the Paisano Club and the Compari Club. Among his most rewarding accomplishments has been giving back to others by fundraising. He has contributed to several fundraisers including The Genevieve Giammanco Foundation, Santa Catalina School, the Festa Italia Santa Rosalia, the 49ers Foundation, the Keena Turner Foundation and Gary Payton Foundation (which both support the Boys & Girls Club), and Tyson Ross (which supports the Loyal To My Soil Foundation), all of which have become an annual event that he truly enjoys.

Robbie enjoys vacationing, spending time with his kids and grandkids, playing golf, and Monday Night Football gatherings. 

The last 23 years have literally been a dream come true. “I have always told my kids that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. I’m doing what I love, and it has been very rewarding to live my dream.”

Thank you to the Italian Heritage Society for this great honor.

ITALIAN HERITAGE SOCIETY HONOREE 2025