Henry Torres Sr.

Henry Torres Sr., a beloved family man, passed away leaving behind a lasting legacy. For 70 years, he shared his life with his devoted wife, Esther, and together, they raised their children. Henry is also survived by three of his younger brothers, John, Harry, and Carlo, as well as Henry’s children and spouses, Walter and Linda Torres, Henry Jr. and Alice Torres, Rosalind and Emilio Garay, and Michael and Ann Torres.

Henry was also a proud grandfather to Doreen, Aaron, Lauren, Patrick, Adam, and Steven. The joy continued as he welcomed great-grandchildren Ryan, Ellie, and Corey into the family.

Born on September 6, 1930, Henry was the third child and second son of Armando and Leopoldina Torres. Growing up with thirteen siblings, he experienced the love and camaraderie of a large family.

In May 1951, Henry enlisted in the U.S. Army, following in the footsteps of his brother Sergeant Walter Torres, who sadly was listed as MIA in 1950 after the battle of Chosin Reservoir. Henry proudly served his country and was honorably discharged in May 1953.

On September 12, 1953, Henry married his beloved Esther Ortiz. They embraced the joys of parenthood with the arrival of their children: Walter in June 1954, Henry Jr. in July 1955, Rosalind in March 1960, and Michael in November 1968.

With determination, Henry pursued a college degree and became the first in his family to graduate from New York City College in 1958. Alongside Esther, they purchased their first home in Bayside, Queens, NY in 1960. From there, they moved to Cambria Heights, Queens, NY in 1963, before venturing to Southern California in 1967, ultimately settling down in Whittier, CA in 1968. They remained here until 1986, when they decided to relocate to Redondo Beach, CA, however, with retirement came the urge to be closer to their children and grandchildren, so they relocated to La Habra, CA in 2000.

Henry embarked on a distinguished 33-year career with the IRS which included diplomatic service from 1970 to 1973, as a tax advisor to the Costa Rican and Colombian governments under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). After his retirement as the first Quality Assurance Manager for the IRS in the Los Angeles District, he remained active as an Enrolled Agent, specializing in highly complex tax cases for accounting firms in Los Angeles and Orange Counties for many more years.

In his leisure time, Henry indulged in playing and watching golf and enthusiastically supported various sporting events alongside his children and other family members. Henry and Esther's home became a warm haven, welcoming family members and friends from near and far. Whether offering a cold beverage, a snack, or his grandchildren's favorite Bon Bons, Papa and Nana’s gatherings were known for their vibrant atmosphere, good company, and delectable food.

Henry was a reserved and caring person, he held a deep belief in the value of family and empathized with the challenges faced by everyday individuals, especially his family and loved ones.

Henry Torres Sr. will be profoundly missed but his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and he will never be forgotten.