John R. Torres Sr.

John R. Torres, Sr.
93 Years Loved
On Sunday, August 10th, 2025, surrounded by the comfort of his home, John R. Torres, Sr. of Somers, CT was called to eternal peace. John was born December 22nd, 1931 in Fall River, MA to the late John C. and Gloria (Franco) Torres and made Somers his home for over 50 years. He was the devoted husband of the late JoAnn T. (Tonsick) Torres, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and an unshakable bond for over 65 years.
A proud United States Air Force Veteran who served during the Korean War, John carried his sense of duty and service throughout his life. He built a distinguished career as an electrical design engineer at Hamilton Standard, earning multiple aerospace patents for his innovative work. After accepting the company's "golden handshake" at 55, John remained active in his community, serving as Chairman of the Somers Zoning Board of Appeals for 25 years and delivering Meals on Wheels for several years. A skilled handyman, he took great pride in improving not only his own home but also those of his children where he shared his extensive knowledge, which they carry with them today.
John's greatest joy was his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, he showed unconditional love and pride for each of them. A man of deep faith and devotion, he was a lifelong Catholic and became a Eucharistic Minister in 1972, serving faithfully for decades.
John enjoyed many passions over the years… Playing challenging chess matches, sometimes managing a dozen postal chess games at once with opponents from all over the world including incarcerated individuals. He also enjoyed bowling once achieving a perfect 300 game. He passed his love of gardening on to his children and grandchildren. He loved the game of golf both playing into his golden years and watching it on TV also passing that interest on to his children. John and JoAnn loved traveling, dancing, attending theater performances together and with many close friends. Spending time with their children and grandchildren their greatest treasures brought them much pleasure.
John is survived by his six children, John Torres Jr. and his wife Sue of South Windsor, Mark Torres and his wife Sue of Sun Prairie, WI, Kathy Vamvilis and her husband Nick of Somers, Jerry Torres and his wife Becky of Enfield, Nancy Rossi and her husband Gordon of Glastonbury, and Lara Heline and her husband Chris of Amesbury, MA; 17 grandchildren, John Michael Torres, Matthew (Rikki) Torres, Christopher (Holly) Torres, Colin Torres, Cooper Torres, Melissa (Kevin) Bailey, Nicole (Justin) Andrews, Peter Vamvilis (aka Taki), Gretchyn (Zac) Whittle, Garrett Torres, Megan Torres, Kathryn Torres, Asher Torres, Morgan Rossi, Hayden Rossi, Calvin Heline, and Tucker Heline; and 14 great-grandchildren: Elijah, Bradan, Parker, Connor, Oliver, Caleb (Torres); Phoebe (Torres); Camille, Kevin "KJ" Jr. (Bailey); Callie, Mason, Melody (Andrews); Brayson, Lennon (Whittle); and his brother James (wife Vivian) Torres as well as sister-in-law Elaine Torres. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife JoAnn and his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Ralph and William Torres.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 5–8 p.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Michael's Parish, 128 Maple St., East Longmeadow, MA (please meet at church). Burial with military honors will follow in Somers Center Cemetery. Donations in John's memory may be made to Saint Michael's Parish, 128 Maple St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028, a charity of your choice or share an act of kindness with another. To leave online condolences, please visit www.leetestevens.com