Professor Aurelio Torres

AURORA - Professor Aurelio Torres, 84, of Aurora, passed away peacefully in his home on Feb. 16, 2017. Aurelio was born in Camaguey, Cuba on Jan. 22, 1933.

He was educated by Maristas Brothers in Camaguey and then by Jesuit Priests at the Belen School in Havana. He attended the University of Havana where he received a doctorate in philosophy. It was there that he met his wife, Elsie, and they were married on Aug. 25, 1956. While studying at the University of Havana, Aurelio's major studies were in psychology. His doctorate thesis was the translation into Spanish of the MMPI Standardized Psychometric Test. Under the encouragement of renowned Psychologist Starke R. Hathaway, developer of the MMPI, Aurelio emigrated to the United States with Elsie and studied at the University of Minnesota where he earned his second Ph.D. in psychology.

After graduating from the University of Minnesota, Aurelio and Elsie moved to New York City where he took a research position with the Psychiatric Institute of New York at Columbia University. In 1962 Aurelio and Elsie's son, Gabriel was born. The desire to raise his son in a small-town environment led Aurelio to accept a position teaching psychology at Wells College where he taught for 40 years. During his tenure there, he served as Chairman of the Psychology Department and was awarded the Excellence In Teaching Medal in 1991.

Through his teaching years he was an active member of the American Psychological Association, continuing research and publishing in the Journal of the American Psychological Association. Aurelio retired from teaching in 2003 and remained in Aurora with his wife, Elsie in their home on Main Street. He was an avid reader, student of history and enjoyed spirited conversations on politics and the events of the day.

He was loved and respected by colleagues, friends, generations of students, and especially his wife of 60 years, Elsie, and his son, Gabriel. In addition, he is survived by a sister-in-law, Esther Companin Mesa; one niece, Elsie Mesa; one nephew, Frank Mesa, all of Sienfugegos, Cuba. He passed on peacefully in his home, with his cats, his books, a window to the lake, and Elsie next to him. He will be missed.

There will be a memorial service at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017 in the chapel in the Main Building at Wells College in Aurora.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Finger Lakes, 1130 Corporate Drive, Auburn, NY 13021, or to Wells College, 170 Main St., Aurora, NY 13026.

Shakelton Funeral Home, Aurora, is in charge of the arrangements.