Search by Name

Search by Name

Jose Torres Obituary

A Celebration of Jose's Life

TORRES, Jose

The world became a much better place when Jose Torres was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Jose spent his first eleven years in Penuelas, Puerto Rico. In December of 1967, his family moved to New York City.

In August 1981, Jose met the love of his life, Maria Fuentes. They were married on June 6, 1982, and celebrated their twenty-sixth wedding anniversary this year.

Jose and Maria were blessed with three beautiful children: Emily (age 32, daughter of first wife, Juanita Cotto), Stephen (25), and Jesse (19). In March 1999, Emily gave birth to Christopher, Jose's grandson and favorite fishing buddy.

Jose had a cat, Trouble, and dog, Lucky, who owned a very special place in his heart.

In 1990, Jose moved his family to Sacramento, Calif. After a short while, Jose went into business for himself repairing automobiles. As a businessman, he was widely respected for his integrity and fairness. He treated his customers like family, often lending his own cars to clients in need.

Strong in his faith and love of God, Jose often gave testimony about God's great mercy and all the Lord had done for him and his family. The family attended Rosemont Community Church for many years, before joining Center of Praise Ministries (COP) in 2003. While at COP, Jose was involved in the Men's ministry serving as a member of their core committee and parking ministry. Jose also sang in the men's choir at COP.

Jose passed away on August 24, 2008, in Sacramento, Calif.

Jose enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. Whether it was camping, fishing or just getting together for a bite to eat, he loved nothing more than spending time with his family and friends. When you spent time with Jose, you were guaranteed a sincere experience, usually with a large dose of laughter.

Jose had tremendous love and compassion for people. Every person who knew Jose can recall some selfless gesture or share how their lives were improved by Jose's friendship and non-judgmental love. Often he helped you just by making you laugh and feel so very loved. He had a true servant's heart and will remain an example to us all. He is already being missed by friends too numerous to mention here.

In addition to his loving wife and children, Jose is mourned by his parents Gregorio and Maria Torres, brothers Raymond and Carlos, sisters-in-law Aristi and Susan, nephews and nieces Michael, Nick, Jonathan, Caroline, and Benjamin. Jose is also mourned by his father-in-law Victor, brothers-in-law Carlos and Junior, sisters-in-law Letty and Ari and their families.

A viewing will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, followed by the service at 7:00 p.m., both at Center of Praises Ministries Cathedral, 1228 23rd St. (23rd at Capitol), Sacramento, CA 95816.

In lieu of flowers a trust for the Torres family is being established; details will be provided at the service.

Jose... the world won't be the same without your magical smile, twinkling eyes, funny stories, and unfailing love and friendship. You will be immeasurably missed by every life you touched and your spirit will live on in our hearts and minds.

We will always love you.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Aug. 27 to Aug. 28, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Jose Torres

Not sure what to say?





Sarah Aurich

August 25, 2009

Maria and family,
What a lovely tribute you wrote, Maria, for the Bee. I couldn't believe it has already been a year. I hope you know how many hearts he touched and cars he healed. My heart and prayers are with you as you mark this sad anniversary.

Rodney Fernandes

August 24, 2009

Maria & family:

It is hard to believe that a year has alrady gone by. I often think of Jose especially when I have car trouble. He was always so willing to help me out and was so accommodating. We all miss him a lot.

Sherry Hamshar

September 17, 2008

Dear Maria, Steven and Jesse, We are very sorry we did not attend Jose's service. We just heard about his passing and are very sorry about your loss. We attended services with all of you at Rosemont. This was such a shock to hear. If there is anything that we can do please just email, we would be more then happy to do whatever. Even if it's just to talk we can listen. Jose was such a wonderful person to be around. He had such a wonderful attitude. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. May God bless your family and take care of you. Our prayers are with all of you. Sherry Hamshar, Ginny and Shannon Gonzalez and Julia Hamshar.

Sophia Waitword

September 11, 2008

Chari & Family,
We were away when my mother called to give me the news. I'm still in shock and so, very, very sorry.
The world is a little less brighter now.

Mary Ann D'Anna

September 8, 2008

My dear family members,
our hearts are heavy as we grieve the loss of our cousin Jose. We will always hold dear the childhood memories of our visits together in NY, and will never forget your visit to Buffalo. Thanks for the fun, the laughter and for being a part of our lives. We will love you forever!
Mary Ann, Rose Marie & Elizabeth.

Mark Ross

August 29, 2008

Dear Maria, I just found out about Jose and my heart just dropped. I have taken my car and boat to Jose for many years. I loved talking to Jose at the shop, laughing at his stories. I thought of him as a great friend. He talked often of you and his kids. He just was so full of life and the Lord. I never left the shop not feeling better. I will miss him terribly. Know that my prayers will be with you and your family. One thing is for sure, Christ is laughing with Jose now. My love to you and your family.

Brad Peterson

August 29, 2008

Dear Maria and family,
I was extremely saddened to hear of your loss. I am truly sorry that I wasn't able to attend the services for my wonderful friend Jose. I will always remember our rides to church retreats, these are probably my best memories of the church and Jose. I wish you all the very best. If I can do anything just send me an email I would love to help in any way I can.
Love
Brad

John Burkes

August 29, 2008

Dear Torres Family,
Its a pleasure to be involved in your lives. Ive always felt like family, from day one. You can rely on me for any of your needs, especially the shop. Jose's legacy, may take new direction, but Ill follow closely, where ever it may lead us. He is truley a blessed man, and you are a blessed family. I consider myself very fortunate to have gained the trust and responsibility of being a friend in buisness with Jose. I wouldnt dare call him my boss. He would just point toward the sky, and say "there's only one boss here, and it ain't me". What a powerful way to live. Complete dedication to his Lord. Im still amazed. However, even though he wasnt "the boss", he sure made me clean alot. He makes me laugh even in times of sorrow. He had special abilities to do things like that.
Thank you for sharing your lives with me. I will honor your family, until the Lord is ready for me too.

Donna Henderson

August 29, 2008

I am so sorry for your lost. I know how it feels to lose someone. He was a nice man when i met him coming in the grocery store that i worked at. He will be missed.

Jake Wedge

August 28, 2008

Torres Family,
Jose was not only by boss at one time, he is my friend forever. The best thing I remember is his uncanny ability to make the best of any situation no matter how grave... I loved him not only as a friend but most of all for the wonderful peson he was. My best wishes to the family
Love: Your friend Jake

Rodney Fernandes

August 28, 2008

Maria and family,

We are so sorry to hear about Jose. He was truly a very caring person. Although I only knew him for a few years, he certainly made a lasting impression on me. We hope that he is at peace.

Autumn Wheless-Peters

August 28, 2008

Dear Torres Family,
I was devastated to hear of your loss. Jose was a wonderful man who will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Molly Christmas

August 28, 2008

He truely did have a way of making you feel loved. Jose was my mechanic for 8 yrs and in that time I felt as if he was a father figure to me(something I never had) truely concerned about my well being. His passing is a tremendous loss and in my heart he will never be forgotten.

Deborah Rond

August 28, 2008

Jesse...we were very sad to hear of your dads passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May your dad be resting in peace.
Ruben, Debbie & Ashley Rangel

Derek Warnken

August 28, 2008

Maria, Steven and Jesse,

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Jose was a wonderful man and we remember his love of life and servants heart. I remember bbq's in your backyard and soccer games and all the help Jose had provided me over the years. If there is anything we can do for you in this time, please let us know

Bruce Hopkins

August 28, 2008

Maria, Jessie and family,
Our deepest sympathy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

The Hopkins

Micheyl Barnett

August 28, 2008

Maria & family,

We were saddened to hear of Jose's passing. Our family extends our sympathies to all of you for your loss. Jose was a cheerful face in the neighborhood. He always greeted us with a big smile and a wave when ever we saw him. We know this is a very difficult time for everyone and you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

The Barnett Family

Millie Pitzschler

August 28, 2008

Maria and Family:

I always enjoyed seeing you and Jose at the Casey office, foster parent conferences or at Ray's picnics. My husband John enjoyed talking shop with Jose.

His passing is a true loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Eddie Beltran

August 27, 2008

Dear Maria and Family,
Jose helped me and my family so much. We shared many laughs and will always remember the good times. We will miss our friend.

With our deepest sympathy,
The Puerto Rican

Angie Del Valle

August 27, 2008

Maria Emely,Steven,Jesee,Christ:
We are so sad to heare above Jose
we cant belive it ,but Iam sure god needed some wondefull persno in heaven because he took the best from us ,all of you are more than friends your are family because he was are brother and will be miss like one he will all ways live in our heards and as long as we remember him with love he will be heare ,if evert any of you need anithing dont hasatay to loock for us.love you Celso and family

The Wegeners

August 27, 2008

Maria, Jesse, and Family:
Life is so, so fragile. We pray for healing for all of your family but your faith consoles you that Jose is in a better place.

Kat & Burnside Family

August 27, 2008

Please know all my love and deepest condolences go out to you. Jose had a huge heart and it is no surprised that he is loved and will be missed by so many. My family and I are so sorry for your loss. Please know we are here for anything you need. We will remember him always and wish you all strength and love during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.

Gregory Buford

August 27, 2008

Torres family, my prayers and condolences go out to you all. Jose was a GREAT man who touched many lives, he will be deeply missed & always remembered.

Denise Gates

August 27, 2008

Dear Maria, Family & the guys at the shop,
I am so heart-broken to hear of Jose's passing. He was truly an angel walking among us. As one of his many customers, going to the shop was like visiting an Uncle when you had a problem. He always greeted you as if you were family, often invite you to join a spontaneous in the shop blessing. If you happened to be there at lunch time, there might be pizza share. You always knew that he would be honest with a diagnosis (& gently chide you about how you should have taken care of the daily maintenance a little better) . He would do his best to take care of things. And with times as tough as they are for some of us, it was such a piece of mind to know I had a trusted place to go for problems with my car. He will be missed greatly.

Carlos & René Cuéllar from Nike's Soocer team. Cuéllar

August 27, 2008

God Give us life to make the world a better place, José did a big part of this, for being the kind of person he was, our most sincere condolences.
María and family God give you peace and resignation.

Sharon Gary

August 27, 2008

Torres Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Trust in the Lord to guide you through. God Bless..

Brit Williams Irby

August 27, 2008

Maria & Family,
Knowing Jose was truly a blessing. He was kind, generous beyond measure, and always reminded me to trust in God. Sending love, thoughts & prayers your way.

Jim Bohardt

August 27, 2008

Maria & Family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jose's passing. I only knew you and Jose because of your deep friendship with my daughter and her family but I always made a point of having you join us whenever I was in town. My daughter loved you so much that I knew you were family. My heart goes out to you.
Love,

mary lou & tom craig

August 27, 2008

Dear Torres Family,

Tom and I and our family, all of whom were friends and customers of Jose, send our very deepest condolences at Jose's passing. He was a dear friend and we know his never-wavering faith will carry him to the Lord. God bless you all.

Tom and Mary Lou Craig

Karen Vick

August 27, 2008

Maria, Stephen and Jesse
I was saddened to learn of the loss of your beloved Jose. I have such great memories of him. I will always remember his laughter he shared with us all. Like clam bakes at Dillions, soccer & baseball games with the kids, and what an amazing Father and Husband Jose is. My heart is broken for you, Maria. If you need anything please don't hestitate to contact me. The world has lost such a great soul. With deepest condolences and tons of love..... Karen Vick

Carrie Deterding

August 27, 2008

Maria and Family,

We're so sad to hear of Jose's passing. You're all in our families thoughts and prayers.

Love,

The Deterding's

Steven & Natalie Spinoso

August 27, 2008

Dear Chari, Stephen, Jesse, Emily & Christopher.
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Jose's death. Jose brought so many great memories to our family. We will truly miss him! His love for his family and God was apparent as his smile. He was genuine! Jose will always have a special place in our hearts. We wish you all courage and love during this difficult time.

Debbie Ventura

August 27, 2008

Maria and Family,

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are sorry for your loss.

In friendship,

Albert and Debbie Ventura

Rick Johnson

August 27, 2008

Maria,
I am so sorry for your loss. You do not know me, I was a cusomer of Jose's. I remember the time that everything was going wrong in my life and my car broke down. Jose took time out from his work to pray with me and share some of his past struggles and to encourage me. He will be missed. I am blessed to have know him.

Sarah Aurich

August 27, 2008

Maria,
I was shocked and saddened to see that Jose has passed away. My husband, Stanley Aurich, and I were long time customers, and Jose was so much more than a "business". He was a dear friend. When Stan was very ill, Jose prayed for him and also had his men's prayer group pray for him as well. We credit those prayers for giving us two more years of quality life before Stan passed peacefully in January 2007. My heart goes out to you and your family, and it's true... the world just won't be the same without him.

Romila Singh

August 27, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May his soul rest in peace.

Lynn Vazquez-Reed

August 27, 2008

Torres family,
I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and the family. Jose was a very nice and caring man. He had a big heart. He will be truly missed..

La Tanya Norse

August 27, 2008

I would like to give my Condolences to the family.

COLETTE (RICHARD) MONTGOMERY

August 27, 2008

MARIA & FAMILY-
MAY GOD HAS HIS LOVING ARMS SURROUNDING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS SAD TIME-I KNEW JOSE FROM HIS BUISNESS AND HE WILL BE MISSED-MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

carol dlima

August 27, 2008

Maria, Steven and Jesse
Words just cannot express my sadness that my dear friend Jose is gone!!!!! He will be missed more than I can express especially on my wedding day. Maria in his memory I hope you will be able to come and toast us on our special day and remember Jose. Keep the faith and find comfort knowing that he is resting in the heavens above with our heavenly father. Denzil and I are here both for you and your family, and please do not hesitate to call on us if you need anything. We will miss him dearly. With deepest condolences. Carol D'Lima, Denzil Fonseca and Mrs. D'Lima (mum).

Showing 1 - 40 of 40 results

Make a Donation
in Jose Torres's name

Memorial Events
for Jose Torres

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Jose's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Jose Torres's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more