Torello began studying double bass with his father and his older brother Peter.

Torello had two sons, Carl and William, both double bassists who played in the Philadelphia Orchestra.

After retirement he moved to Los Angeles where he continued to play with the resident orchestra of Paramount Pictures.

A number of Torello's students at Curtis went on to become important figures in double bass in America.

[3] Notable students include: Torello performed solo recitals, chamber works and appeared as a soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra on 27 and 28 February 1920, performing Lorenziti's concerto for viola d'amore and double bass with Thaddeus Rich.