Mark C. Torres

In Loving Memory of Mark
June 15, 1978 – April 18, 2025
Mark Castro Torres was born at St. Mary's Hospital in San Francisco, and passed away at UCSF, San Francisco. He passed at the age of 46 on April 18, after a courageous and heartbreaking battle with DRESS (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms), a rare and severe allergic reaction that led to life-threatening complications and widespread infections.
Mark was the beloved son of Rizalina C. Torres and the late Mario E. Torres, twin brother to Rudy (Melanie) Torres and uncle to Alexis, Isaiah, Calvin, and Nico. He was also the devoted younger brother of Mary Ann (Matt) Gee.
Through mutual friends, Mark met Jaylyn, the love of his life, and they began a beautiful journey together. They married in 2008 and built a life rooted in joy, travel, friends/community and family. Their children, Emjay (14) and Ariya (11), including their two furbabies, Cosmo and Cooper were his pride and purpose. Whether coaching youth basketball as "Coach Mark," traveling to Hawaii to his favorite beach, or cheering on his Lakers and 49ers, he embraced every moment with energy and heart.
He was especially passionate about supporting his son's basketball journey-first as a sideline coach, then as one of the most loyal, loudest, and proudest parents at every game. He was deeply involved in both the Lakeshow and Rising Suns basketball teams, known for building friendships with referees, chatting up fellow parents, and being one of the team's biggest cheerleader. "Coach Mark," as many called him, brought not only energy to the gym but a sense of unity and joy to everyone around him.
Mark graduated from Pinole Valley High School and Diablo Valley College, beginning a respected career in technical support since 2001. He spent nearly 11 years with Cutera before continuing his career at Sciton, OptiMedica, Abbott, and finally Johnson & Johnson MedTech, where he most recently served as a Principal Technical Support Engineer.
Mark leaves behind a community forever touched by his charismatic welcoming and positive energy, warmth and kindness, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and love for travel and sports. Mark's legacy is one of love, laughter, and loyalty.
Though Mark's time with us was far too short, the impact he made will be felt for a lifetime. His memory will live on in every game-day, every gatherings, every shared story, and every moment of kindness inspired by the way he lived. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.