George Torres

George M. Torres, 89, currently of Latrop and formerly of Salinas, passed away on February 7, 2013 in Manteca. He was born on November 23, 1923 in El Rio, CA. George previously worked as a chauffeur for the American Cancer Society. George “Tio Jorge” or “Uncle George” Torres was the 4th child born to Simon Torres Sr. & Jesucita Marin Torres on November 23, 1923 in El Rio, California. Unfortunately, his mother passed at his birth, and fortunately, he was lovingly raised by Leonor Gutierrez Torres. He attended El Rio Elementary School before his father moved the family to Castroville, California while he was still a young man. Both his mother and father preceded him in death, as well as his brothers Silverio Sr., Juan, and Simon Jr. The family later moved to “The Ranch” in Prunedale, California where their father, a strict disciplinarian, raised them working in the vegetables he planted on the two acres, they called home. Tio George, also worked in the fields harvesting for different companies. He had a passion for music and loved to play the guitar. He also liked going to the Beach, and spending time with family telling jokes making us laugh. He was a very generous man who enjoyed doing many acts of kindness for others. While he never had any biological children of his own, that we know of, he was a father and grandfather figure to many. We never, and I mean ever, and I know you will all agree, saw him angry. He always had a smile on his face and whistle on his lips. In 1975, he met life long love, Lena Rogers. They were together 14 years before they married on Valentines Day, in 1989. He was very smooth and Romantic, wasn’t he? He loved eating for breakfast refried beans, sunny side up eggs, bacon, and potatoes, with homemade flour tortillas. And do not forget his coffee. He love his wine with his dinner. Tio George accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 2006 with his nieces Nancy Haley and Angelina Brooks praying the sinners prayer with him on an occasion when he was hospitalized. God called Tio George home on February 07, 2013 to be with him and to reunite him with his father, his two mothers, and brothers. Not to forget he will see his great-nephew Tomas Haley Sr. his caregiver, who recently passed. But mostly, I know he will be most happy because he will get to be with the love of his life, Lena. He leaves behind to cherish; his memories, his step-children, cousins, a host of nephews & nieces, great nephews & nieces, and even great- great-great nephews & nieces. Tio George will truly be missed by all that loved him. He wouldn’t want us to cry but to celebrate his life, so let’s celebrate. Amen! Visitation will be held on Friday, February 15, 2013 1-9pm at Healey Mortuary 405 N. Sanborn Rd. Salinas, CA 93905. Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, February 16, 2013 2-5pm at the Christian Memorial Church 2699 Col. Durhan St. Seaside, CA 93955. An Inurnment will take place at a later date at the Castroville District Cemetery in Moss Landing, CA.