Mr. Jesse Edward De La Torre

ENCINITAS - Jesse E. De La Torre, a longtime resident of Encinitas, passed away at his home on October 27, 2007 after a long battle with prostate cancer. Jesse was the son of the late Edward and Eva De La Torre who settled in the Encinitas area in its infancy, in the early 1950's. Jesse started as a carpenter, then became a general contractor, and in the decades that followed became an investor and developer, owning several properties in the area. He also enjoyed the stock market which, in later years, became almost a fulltime job. Jesse was a self-taught man who, despite lack of a formal education, became very successful in life by hard work and innate intelligence. Jesse was a unique individual, a very giving man, with a larger-than-life personality. He never forgot a person he met, and was always ready with a jovial greeting. His friendly personalitycame naturally and he had many friends, many of them from early childhood. Jesse is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Lucy, a marriage that has lasted for almost 46 years. Jesse loved Lucy very much and truly appreciated her loving care and attention to him throughout their marriage, but particularly her care of him during the last several difficult months of his illness. While still a teenager, Jesse enlisted in the Army and was soon sent to war in Korea, after which he was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries received in the conflict. He was very proud of his service to his country. Jesse was equally proud of his heritage. Jesse's family immigrated from Mexico and Jesse never forgot those roots. He maintained a life-long, close relationship with relatives in Mexico and made many trips to visit them. He loved Mariachis music, and Mariachis were always the music of choice at weddings of his children, baptisms, and other venues hosted by him. Jesse was godfather to many. He loved people, and social gatherings, and would travel great distances to attend weddings, baptisms, graduations, birthday parties, and funerals. You could always count on Jesse and Lucy to honor your invitation. Jesse is also survived by his four children: Geline (and Zac) Crouse of Alamo, Eddie De La Torre of Cardiff, Gloria (and Ed) Caspers of Long Beach and Mark De La Torre of Encinitas; grandchildren Eddie, Jordan, Alicia, Briana, Jacob, Ethan, and Devin. Jesse is also survived by siblings David De La Torre of Encinitas, Lupe Bishop of Oceanside, and Eva (and Larry) Kinsella of Temecula, and many nephews and nieces. Jesse was the consummate family man who was completely devoted to Lucy, his children, and grandchildren. While they are devastated at his loss, they have great and wonderful memories of Jesse as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend to others. Jesse enjoyed gambling in Las Vegas, and no doubt, Las Vegas will miss his many trips there. He also enjoyed the horse races at Del Mar and sports. Arrangements are being handled by Encinitas Mortuary, 340 Melrose Avenue, Encinitas, where a private Viewing by family members only will be held on Sunday, November 4, 2007, to be followed by a Viewing by all others at 4:00 p.m. The Viewing will then be followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at the mortuary. Jesse was a devout member of St. John's Catholic Church in Encinitas for over 50 years, and a Funeral Mass will be held there in his honor on Monday, November 5, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., with burial to follow at El Camino Cemetery, after which a reception, a Celebration of Life, will be held at the hall of St. John's Catholic Church in Encinitas, 1001 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas. Jesse, from all of those who knew and loved you, you will be greatly missed, but never, ever, forgotten