Porfirio C. Torres

Leavittsburg - Porfirio "P.C." or "Joe" Torres Jr of Leavittsburg,89 died Friday at 2:00 am at home from complications of dementia surrounded by his loving family.
Porfirio (better known as "Chito" to his family) was born December 4, 1934 in Salina, KS to the late Joe P. Torres and Carmen Guevara. He graduated from Salina H.S. in 1953.
A life-long supporter of the sport for which he was inducted, his wrestling career began at his alma mater in 1949 and after a stellar scholastic career, capped it all off when he was crowned the 1952 Kansas High School 120-lb state champion.
After high school, he joined the United States Airforce and became involved in local wrestling while stationed at the Youngstown Municipal Airport.
During that time, he helped to start the Howland H.S. wrestling program, serving as an assistant coach to former head mentor Lester "Bob" Irwin.
He would later assist both the Warren Harding and Warren Western Reserve mat programs during their formative years as well.
A lifelong supporter of wrestling; locally and statewide, he served the sport in a variety of capacities and became the first ever Eastern Ohio Wrestling League Hall of Fame Honoree in 2004.
His greatest accomplishments, however, came during a distinguished officiating career where he oversaw both high school and collegiate matches for more than 20 years. From 1960-80, he was a staple of the NEO sectional and District Wrestling Tournament and is one of only two area officials to have officiated the O.H.S.A.A. (Ohio High School Athletic Association) State Tournament.
He did the aforementioned on eight separate occasions in 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1975, 1977 and 1979.
He officiated collegiate matches from 1965-81 and in 1967, Kent State University head wrestling coach Joe Begala honored him by placing his photo on the cover of the 37th Annual NCAA Wrestling Championship Program which was held on the KSU campus.
Also instrumental in starting various wrestling officials' associations, in 1963 he became a charter member of the Northeast Ohio Wrestling Officials Association and would serve as its president during the 1969-70 season.
He started the local Steel Valley Wrestling Officials Association and in 1975, was state interpreter.
In 1972, he was a P.I.A.A wrestling official and a driving force behind helping to organize the Shenango Valley Wrestling Association.
In 2005, he was inducted into the Columbus Hall of Fame for Wrestling.
He retired in 1996 after 38 years as a Local Millwright (Local1438/Cleveland).
Survivors include wife Pauline; sons Porfirio "P.C." Torres III (Brenda) of Southington and Antonio (Lenore) of Drummonds, TN; daughters Maurina Allison of Toledo and Sabrina (John) Torres-Feeney of Ravenna; brother Juan Paul; and sisters Jenoveva and Cecilia.
12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.
Besides his parents; 1st wife Norma Jean Torres; daughter Cathrina (Dijon) Washington and sisters: Dominga, Delores, and Juanita are deceased.
The family would like to thank Ohio Living, VA Services and Hospice Care. A special thanks to Kimberly Zerefos, Nurse Missy, Nurse Vance, and Keri Rhoads that provided excellent care for him during his illness.
Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to P.C. on Tuesday evening, May 14, 2024 from 5 to 7 at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel of Warren, 1884 North Road NE.
Additional calling hours will be on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 from 9 to 10am at St. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church, 232 Seneca Ave NE, Warren, OH 44481.
A Funeral Mass will follow at the church on Wednesday at 10am.
The burial will be in Pineview Cemetery.
If you would like to make a donation in his name in lieu of flowers – Please donate to the Howland Tiger Booster Club/Wrestling.
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