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GREG TORRES

1949 - 2023

GREG TORRES obituary, 1949-2023, Boston, MA

BORN

1949

DIED

2023

GREG TORRES Obituary

TORRES, Greg Civic Leader, Friend and Father Age 73, of Boston, died peacefully on July 31st, with his beloved wife, Betsy, by his side. The son of Jesús (Jess) Nazario Torres and Josephine (Kilgallon) Torres, Greg was born on September 29, 1949, in New Rochelle, New York. He described his boyhood as "idyllic", his days filled with visits to the local library, horseback riding at the Salesian boys camp, and most memorable, a family trip by train to Florida. At St. Vincent's College in Latrobe, PA, Greg discovered his talent for theater. He was cast as the lead in Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. So memorable was that experience that throughout his life, Greg could recite the lines with uncommon precision. Backstage, he worked as a tech, which turned into good fortune when he was called upon to operate lights for Sly and the Family Stone's campus concert. At college, he expanded his group of friends which already included high school pals, Jerry Fagan and Diane Pell, to include Paul Grazda who introduced him to much of his favorite music. A devoted Deadhead, Greg attended many shows and always had the Grateful Dead channel playing during road trips. The activism of the late sixties and the free-spirited nature of the decade inspired Greg to actively oppose the war in Vietnam and to explore the country and Europe with a pack on his back and an extended hand for hitchhiking. Upon graduation, Greg planned to "move to Cape Cod to write" but instead found himself as the resident cook at a halfway house in Cambridge. That was the beginning of a career – and a life – devoted to helping some of the most vulnerable people in our communities live with dignity. Working with incarcerated young men at the Department of Youth Services Andros facility, Greg discovered two passions that would prove enduring - his commitment to criminal justice reform and the love he found in the woman who would become his wife, Betsy Pattullo. Staunch advocates for criminal justice reform and de-institutionalization, their first date involved taking three young, incarcerated men on a pass for a home-cooked dinner at Betsy's apartment. Unfortunately, the young men noted that Greg and Betsy couldn't take their eyes off each other and took the opportunity to flee. Fortunately, Greg was able to convince the guys to return before the sun came up. Both Greg and Betsy shared a sense of adventure. In 1974, they moved to the Spanish island of Menorca where they would live for two years. Greg tended bar in the pueblo casino and worked as a chef in two restaurants, expanding his repertoire of dishes to include gambas al ajillo, bisconde, paella, caldereta. On Menorca, Greg met his lifelong friends Juan and Antonia whom he would travel to visit many times and who in later years made memorable visits to Boston. But it was back in Boston where Greg made his greatest professional contributions. Greg was instrumental in developing community-based programs for adolescents with his work at the Massachusetts Committee on Criminal Justice with his great friend and mentor The Honorable Patricia McGovern. As Assistant Secretary for Criminal Justice under Governor Michael Dukakis, he led reform efforts in the adult correctional system as well. From 1984-1992 Greg served as Chief of Staff to the Massachusetts State Senate Committee on Ways and Means. He was very proud to serve under the first woman to chair the Ways and Means Committee, Senator Pat McGovern. In 1992, Greg joined the Mentor Network as Senior Vice President, having served as a founding board member in 1980. Assuming the role of President and CEO from 1996-2005, Greg led the growth of MENTOR from a regional company providing services primarily to children into a national organization serving people of all ages in a wide variety of settings. From 2007-2018, he was President of MassINC and Publisher of Commonwealth Magazine. Greg was especially proud of helping to lead a coalition of advocates and policymakers in efforts to reform the Massachusetts criminal justice system and address the tragedy of mass incarceration. Greg was active in several non-profit organizations whose missions were his own, including ROCA, inc., Everyday Boston, and The New Bedford Light. Greg loved to mentor younger colleagues, and many became close friends. He loved to listen to the stories of friends and colleagues and share his own in turn. Greg was a great storyteller. On the screened porch or dining room at his home on the Slocum River in South Dartmouth, at his many neighborhood spots in the South End, or at his beloved La Brasa he would regale his guests with tales of business battles in the private sector or policy fights at the State House, of being arrested for hitchhiking in Kansas just after the Kent State riots, late nights in Manhattan's Little Italy in the 60's, and cliff diving on Menorca. While taking great satisfaction in his professional achievements, Greg considered his family his greatest accomplishment and deepest pleasure. Greg and Betsy were married in Cambridge, MA on December 6, 1980 and welcomed two children over the years: Jess Manolo Torres was born March 20, 1982, and Gabriel (Gabe) Paul Torres was born May 24, 1985. With the passage of time, Greg relished his role as grandfather or "Bunka" as he is called by his grandchildren. He loved taking them on the "Ice cream train" in the summer or walking hand-in-hand with them as toddlers. He taught them to cook chicken fingers, anchovy pasta and gambas al ajillo as they got older. Family and friends will remember the many qualities that Greg possessed and especially will miss his legendary cooking. He learned at the hands of his father who taught him to cook Grandpa Jess's Fried Chicken, and from his friends on Menorca, as well as cooking classes in Cambridge in the 80s, and countless hours spent with his extensive library of cookbooks. In a pinch he could whip up clam linguine for a dozen people in the time it took for the noodles to boil. He delivered home-cooked food to friends and family with new babies with his "feed the babies" project. His holiday meals started with epic cheese courses, tapas of sauteed wild mushrooms or gambas al ajillo and then piles of grilled or roasted meats, perfectly blanched and sauteed vegetables, and carefully selected wines from both the old and new world. While he was generous with his cooking lessons, no one could make those dishes quite like he did. Even when enduring a lengthy illness, Greg expressed overwhelming gratitude for having been able to lead the life of his dreams. "How lucky are we?" was a refrain. Greg is survived by his wife of 42 years and partner in life, Betsy Pattullo; son Jess Torres and his wife Ariane, son Gabe Torres; grandchildren Jack, Lydia, Quinn, Naomi and Evie; sister Juanita Saco and her husband Charlie; nephew David Saco and nieces Maria Orey and Claire Pattullo; and many, many dear friends. In keeping with Greg's wishes, no services are planned. Donations in Greg's memory can be made to Everyday Boston at everydayboston.org/donate

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Published by Boston Globe from Aug. 4 to Aug. 6, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for GREG TORRES

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Daniel Kelly

June 12, 2024

I just now learned of Greg's passing and wish to extend my sincere condolences to Betsy, Greg's children and family, and to his many friends and colleagues for their loss. Greg was a remarkable, multi-talented, very smart, soft-spoken man...one who, even then, was obviously ahead of his time to anyone who met him. I was four years behind Greg at Vincent's and I happened to accidentally wander into the campus theater one Fall night and unexpectedly saw the "Rosencrantz" play mentioned above. He and Louie Richards were truly incredible in that production, and it remains the best version of that class that I have ever seen. Their individual performances were not just great, together they were absolutely amazing. They were personally inspirational to me that night, and have stayed with me to this very day. No lie, they were that good.

Eternal Rest, Greg, and may Perptual Light Shine upon you. And thank you.
Danny Kelly

Single Memorial Tree

Judy Eskin

Planted Trees

Judy Eskin

January 19, 2024

Dear Betsy -
I am so sorry to learn of your great loss. I didn't know Greg well but he always exuded warmth and kindness and his life story, as described here, is truly inspiring.
My heart goes out to you and yours,
Judy

Maude

September 29, 2023

Love to my family on Greg´s Birthday.
Robson´s Wife

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Sarah Wunsch

Planted Trees

Earth & Sky Memorial

Andrea Naoum and Family

Sent Flowers

Cliff Karchmer

August 18, 2023

Greg was simply the best public servant and advocate for that neglected sector I have ever known. His greatest contribution: Greg made bureaucracy work, and for people in need or otherwise under served. Let me pause so that thought penetrates. I have never shared this sentimate about anyone else: it fits Greg perfectly. What a spectacular legacy he leaves!

Chris Leon

August 16, 2023

Betsy, my deepest sympathies go out to you and your family during this terrible time. It was a pleasure getting to know you over the years. What wonderful times we had sharing stories and making memories. I will remember Greg´s kind eyes that mirrored his soul and his words of encouragement to pass on to my son when he started his first year of drama. We were all hoping for better news so as not to lose one of the good ones, but we know that his memory lives on through you, Gabe and Jess. Here for you if there is anything I can do...

Single Memorial Tree

Chris Leon

Planted Trees

Leicho Richardson

August 15, 2023

My deepest condolences betsy and family it was such a pleasure knowing this wonderful special man the chats we use to have at the bar are some of the fondest memories i will hold close to my heart. from your viceroy family Leischo from the sunset lounge.

Daveena Hodge

August 10, 2023

To my dearest Betsy please accept my heartfelt condolences. I am grateful to have been friends with such a beautiful humble soul like your loving husband and yourself. I will keep my very fondest memories of him here with us in Anguilla. It has always been my pleasure. Please share our love from Beach and Pool Fourseasons Anguilla. Love always Daveena

David Shea

August 10, 2023

Greg was a great mentor....expressed profound and valuable concepts in the vernacular that a simple political street warrior could understand. I have thought of Greg and his inspiration so many times over the past 40 years since we last worked together.

So very very sorry of this loss.

David Shea

Alison Dore

August 8, 2023

Sending heartfelt condolences to Miss Betsy and family keeping you all in my prayers

Felicity and Austin

August 7, 2023

Sending our sincerest sympathies to Betsy from across the river.

Michael A Norton

August 7, 2023

Betsy and family--I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful man you were blessed with. My heart goes out to you and you are in my prayers.

Single Memorial Tree

Jeremy and Eli

Planted Trees

Jeanette

August 5, 2023

A true "caballero" ...he will be forever in our hearts. Rest in peace Greg. We will miss you so much.
My heart goes out to Betsy, kids, their families and all who are saddened by his tremendous loss.
Dios te bendiga Greg!

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