Obituary published on Legacy.com by Wiefels & Son Mortuary-Banning on May 20, 2025.
Norman Toro, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, in
Banning, California, surrounded by his loving family. He was 59
years old. Born on June 7, 1965, at Riverside General Hospital in California, Norman was raised on the East Side of Banning, where he spent his life rooted in family, tradition, and culture as a
proud member of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.
He is the son of Howard and Carol Toro and the tenth of eleven children. He shared a deep bond with his siblings: brothers Tony, Emmanuel, Ronnie, Fred, Andy, Wayne, Barney, and sisters Virginia, Jo Anne, and Maxine. At the age of 20, Norman had his first and only son, Miles, with whom he shared his love of music with. In 1996, he met the love of his life, Audrey, and the two were married on January 3, 1998. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised two daughters, Adriana, with whom he shared his love of ball with and Vanessa, with whom he shared his love of dance with and was proud to have played a significant role in her becoming a Jingle Dress Dancer. He cherished his children deeply. Norman's proudest titles were "Papa" and "GrandPop," and his heart was full of love for his 12 grandchildren: Mariya, Mia, King, Justyn, Liberty, Adam, Michael, Princess, Genisys, Achilles, Mercy, and Baby Kruse.
Norman's parents taught him how to play ball from a very young age, and it became a part of who he was-it ran in his blood. With that passion, love, and dedication, he went on to play hardball, fastpitch, slo-pitch, and co-ed softball. He was a proud member of the Toro family team, Familia. He always loved traveling to Parker to play some good ol' Rez Ball. His many talents led him to explore multiple roles in his life - a gifted DJ and dancer, a skilled seamster, a bingo caller, and a reliable hand at the local golf course. He also worked alongside his father at the "Garden Villas" in Palm Springs, contributing his hard work and heart to everything he did.
If you knew Norman, you knew he was truly a Creative Native that left behind a footprint in every life he touched. He will forever be remembered for his love of music and dancing. He had undeniable talent as a Poplocker, Breakdancer and MC. Many recall seeing him walking down Ramsey with his boombox in one hand and cardboard in another ready to dance with or against whoever. He loved art, if you didn't find him on his tables then you'd catch him with his pencil and pad. His spontaneous personality created so many amazing memories with his loved ones like family trips, riding in the canyon, hunting and sightseeing. He also loved lighting up the skies with his firework shows, being the most decorated house on the block for holidays, getting with family
and friends to throw horseshoes. And let's not forget his random trips to the casino. Norman could be a wild one, but on the other side of the token, he was one of the most giving people you'd ever come across, his heart was gold. He will FOREVER be remembered for his kindness, humor, creativity, and unwavering love for his family and his community. His presence was a blessing, and his legacy will continue to live on through all who loved him.
Norman "T DAWG" Toro was 1 of 1. Love him or hate him, you will never meet another like him.
All Dawgs go to heaven. - Miles T
"You are with our Creator now. As much as it hurts that the music for us has stopped, we know it was time for you to take the party to our loved ones in the sky. We will carry the music in our hears and memories until we meet again."
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