Tommy A. Torrez

Tommy A. Torrez Dec. 21, 1924 - July 5, 2007 Delano Mortuary Tommy A. Torrez, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and brother, passed away after a lengthy illness. Tommy was born in Anaheim, California to Frank and Hilaria Torrez and was one of seven brothers and sisters. His family eventually settled in the Delano area. Tommy went to school in Earlimart, and briefly attended Delano High School. He married Molly Torrez in 1948, and they made their home in Delano. Together they raised four children. Tommy accomplished much during his life. He served with the 378th Regiment, 95th Infantry Division during World War II in England, France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany, where he saw much action as an anti-tank bazooka operator. He landed on the shores of Normandy soon after the intial Allied invasion, and fought in the famous Battle of the Bulge. He was part of the Allied forces that invaded Germany, and he and his unit captured many enemy soldiers. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, and the Bronze Star, awarded for meitorius service under combat conditions against an enemy of the United States. Tommy enjoyed talking about his many adventures during "the War.' He was largely a self educated man, and he enjoyed reading about national and world events. Tommy's dream was to own his own farm. Later in his life, Tommy left his job as farm operations manager at El Rancho Fortuna in McFarland to start Tom Torrez Trucking Company in the mid-1960's. That was followed in 1969 with Tom Torrez Farming, and a few years later with Torrez & Cabrerra Farm Labor Contracting. Tom and Molly kept the farm, a small vineyard near Delano, until 2005 when he became to ill to do all the necessary farm work. However, he worked the farm until he was 80 years old. Tommy was well regarded during his career as an outstanding farm operations manager. Tommy was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Molly Torrez. He is survived by his four children, Bobby, Norma, Mary Ann and Linda; his brother, Pete Torrez and sister, Carmen Aguilar; and grandchildren, Chris Torrez, Kimberly Torrez, Bobby Torrez, Robert Alanis, Joi Hernandez, Naomi Torrez; and great-grandchildren, Julisa Torrez, Julian Torres, LeSette Hernandez, Trini Torrez, Anabelle Sanchez and Natalie Price. Tommy will be greatly missed. Viewing will be Thursday, July 12, from 5 p.m. Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m. at Delano Mortuary. Funeal Mass is scheduled Friday, July 13, 9:00 a.m., at Guadalupe Church, followed by graveside services at Delano Cemetery.