Julio M. Torres MD

1935 - 2024

Dr. Julio Michael Torres passed away peacefully at his home in Solvang, California, on October 10th, 2024, at the age of 89. Julio is now reunited with Celia, his wife of 45 years. Together, they raised five children: Michael, Stephanie, Marty, Suzanne, and Elizabeth. Julio was also a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Milo, Lita, Francisco, Antonio, Maximus, Mateo, Jack, Lily, and Ruby, who all brought him immense joy.
Born on April 12, 1935, in Los Angeles, California, Julio was the 6th of 7 children born to John and Isabel Torres. Julio had a long and distinguished career in medicine. Beyond his medical career, Dr. Torres was also a successful real estate investor. Known for his wisdom, Julio enjoyed sharing his "pearls" with family and friends. His words of encouragement and guidance left a lasting impact on many.
In 1959, he opened his first medical office in Compton, CA. In 1973, he founded the Torres Medical Center serving the community through the late 1990's. Later in his career, he became the Medical Director for the Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic, where he remained until his retirement.
A proud graduate of Cathedral High School in Los Angeles, Loyola University (1957) and California College of Medicine/UC Irvine (1962), he valued the transformative power of education. Julio devoted his time to serve as a Trustee for Loyola Marymount University and Mount St. Mary's University. He was especially proud to have helped establish the Loyola Marymount University Latino Alumni Association (LMU LAA) in 1982. He was a benefactor at St Lawrence of Brindisi Church, in Watts.
Julio's strong devotion to God was central to his life. He and his beloved wife Celia made generous contributions to the Abbey of New Clairvaux, in Vina, CA. Their gifts reflected their deep commitment to the Abbey, a place of solace and reflection away from a busy life in Los Angeles.
He is survived by his two brothers, Ricardo and Joseph Torres, his cherished children, grandchildren, and his local parish community. His legacy of compassion, wisdom, service, faith, and dedication to family, education, and philanthropy will be remembered by all who knew him.
Visitation (5:30pm to 7:00pm) and a Vigil/Rosary service (7:00pm) will be held on Tuesday October 22, 2024, at the Mission Santa Ines in Solvang, CA.
A Mass of Catholic Burial and Celebration of Life will be held on October 24, 2024, beginning at 11:00 am at Mission Santa Ines in Solvang, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Dr. Torres' honor to the Loyola Marymount University Latino Alumni Association or the Abbey of New Clairvaux, continuing his lifelong dedication to education and his Catholic faith.
Loper Funeral Chapel Directors