Sesinando R. Torres M.D.

1945 - 2023

Sesinando R. Torres, M.D.

1945 - 2023

Sesinando ("Sinen," "Andoy" or "Andy") R. Torres, M.D., passed away peacefully early Christmas morning, December 25, 2023, with family by his side.

Sesinando served faithfully during his lifetime and leaves an incredible legacy. Born to Pablo and Trinidad Torres and raised in the Philippines, Sinen was the beloved sibling to eight. He had an adventurous spirit and scholarly ambition. As valedictorian of his class, Sinen earned a full scholarship to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila. Putting aside his own personal dream of becoming an architect, he followed the wishes of his parents by pursuing a career in medicine instead. Although he had no science classes during his primary education, Sinen successfully passed the entrance exam after only 3 months of self-study. He was accepted into the UST program, rose to the top tier of his class and ultimately was selected to serve at Clark AFB for his residency during the Vietnam War.

During his service there, Andoy formed many friendships with fellow medical residents and American service members, and eventually set his sights on coming to America. His talent as a physician, combined with an exemplary work ethic, led to his acceptance to a 2-year residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, OH.

Upon arrival in the United States, he was given the nickname of Andy and it was not long after that he met the love of his life, Norrene. In 1974, Andy started his private practice in Maumee, OH. There, he cared for a multitude of beloved patients, many of whom were multi-generational families. He made house calls, often with his family in tow, and tenderly treated patients who unexpectedly arrived at his front door. Beyond his private practice, he moonlighted in the ER at St. Luke's Hospital and volunteered as team doctor for the Anthony Wayne High School varsity football team.

After 18 years of private practice, Andy transitioned to the ER full-time, where his clinical acumen and calm-under-pressure approach were well-suited. Over his 45+ years at St. Luke's, he served on numerous committees, including the Board of Trustees, and provided care to thousands, proving to be a much-loved doctor in the community and among his colleagues. Andy's compassion also led him to serve on numerous medical missions to Haiti, Nepal, Tanzania and the Philippines, where part of his heart always remained.

Proud of his Filipino heritage and always wanting to give back, Andy also served as President of the Filipino Association of Toledo (FAT) and Board President of the Special Commission On Relief and Education (S.C.O.R.E.) helping to raise funds for scholarships, medical missions and emergency relief as well as enrich the Filipino community in Toledo. In addition to his philanthropic efforts, he was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Waterville, OH, serving on a variety of committees, offering his spiritual gifts (which included writing, public speaking and drawing), and sharing his faith.

Andy loved people and was the epitome of hospitality as he and Norrene opened their home to many over the years. Whether it was hosting friends and family for Christmas parties or reunions, housing organ transplant donors and recipients, students from his Alma Mater or young physicians from abroad trying to get a start in America, his house was a home to all.

Andy led his family with an ease and wisdom that guided them throughout the years. Whether the time spent was long drives on family vacations, kitchen table philosophy discussions, cheering on his OSU Buckeyes, playing a round of golf, sharing an irreverent or bad joke, or grilling pork skewers, he was present in sharing these moments and more with those he loved most. His wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren not only had the privilege of knowing him as Dr. Torres but also the honor of witnessing him as husband, father, Lolo.

Andy was a storyteller, jokester, poet, artist, healer, chef, philosopher and literal, real-life hero to many. Those who knew him loved him deeply. He leaves an incredible legacy of service, compassion, generosity and sacrifice.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Norrene (Ruck); children, Jennifer (Matthew) Spieth, Jessica Torres, and Jaclyn Torres; grandchildren, River and Parker (the "Apo" of his eye); brothers and sisters; and many nieces and nephews.

Andy's family invites everyone who knew and loved him to celebrate his beautiful life on Saturday, January 6th at Zion Lutheran Church in Waterville, OH. Visitation is from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. with a celebration of life service starting at 1 p.m. and a luncheon immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to S.C.O.R.E. (http://www.scorefat.com/make-a-donation.html), Zion Lutheran Church (https://zionlutheranwaterville.org/donate/), or Hospice of the Western Reserve (https://p2p.onecause.com/hwr/donate).