Jesse Torres

Jesus Madrigal Torres (a.k.a. Jesse Torres, to his friends and family) passed away April 15, 2013 at the age of 74 in Long Beach, CA, where he resided for 16 years with surviving wife, Rosalie F. Romero-Torres. Jesse was born a U.S. citizen in the town of Tangancicuaro, Michoacán, Mexico on March 8, 1939, to Jesus Joseph Torrez and Esperanza Madrigal Torrez until age of eight. In 1947, his family left Mexico arriving in East Wilmington, CA. where they lived out their lives and where Jesse grew up with family and friends. Surviving is sister, Alicia Lara, who resides in Fresno, CA and has 7 children. Also surviving are three maternal mothers, Thurley Sandoval, ex-wife and special long-time friend (1957-1977), Reyna Orozco (1978-1980) and Angelica Rosas (1982-1984) who were also part of Jesse's life.

Jesse Torres leaves a family-tree and legacy of eight children, 2 of 3 stepchildren, 26 of 28 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. His legacy of children and family all love and respect each other as one "Torres family". Jesse was blessed with 50 legacies to carry forth his life. He also leaves behind many life-long, loyal friends, who Jesse cherished as his friendships were built on old-school traditions of mutual trust and respect.

Jesse served as a marksman and bridge specialist, in the California Army National Guard for six (6) years (1955-1961). He was honorably discharged on August 2, 1961. Jesse worked for Koppers Construction and Southern California Lumber located in Wilmington, CA. Subsequently, he took special interest in collecting coins, sports memorabilia, antiques and LA wholesale merchandize. He became extremely knowledgeable in these markets. With the help of a wholesale jeweler and close friend, he learned the business of wholesale merchandizing and became self-employed. He was so successful that it enabled him to support all his family needs through-out his life. Jesse never formally retired. He continued his small business working from his home in Long Beach, CA, because it gave him knowledge and satisfaction, and more importantly, afforded him the ability to treat and spoil all the children.

Jesse's family was always his priority. Achieving family unity and respect fulfilled the desire of Jesse's heart and gave him great pride and happiness. Jesse's life story could fill a big book with many happy stories of family love, friends and amazing adventures in his life. All the chapters filled a space in his heart and special time in his life. Jesse Torres' beautiful legacy of family and friends gave breath to the many precious chapters of Jesse's amazing life. Jesse's legacy will live on through their lives and continue to add life and new chapters to his memory.

Jesse's first family legacy was blessed by; son, Jesse Jr. and wife Silvia Torres; parents of four children and one great grandchild. Daughter, Maria and husband Harry Klepach; parents of three children and four great grandchildren. Daughter Lori and husband Scott Childers; parents of two children and two great grandchildren. Daughter Michelle Torres. Daughter; Desiree and husband Ralph Chasco; parents to three children and four great grandchildren.

Jesse's second family legacy was blessed by; daughter, Elizabeth Torrez and husband, Alex Romero; parents of two children. Daughter, Veronica Torrez-Mendez, husband, Arturo Mendez and ex Danny Hernandez; parents of three children.

Jesse's third family legacy was blessed by; son David and wife Jennifer Torres; parents of two children. Stepson Alex and wife Irma Gonzalez, parents of 6 children.

Jesse's final chapter and family legacy was blessed by; stepson, Nick Romero and Robin Maher; parents of one grandchild. Stepdaughter, Traci Romero and husband, Donald Levingston; parents of two children.

Jesse was one-of-a kind individual, a special human being, a pillar of strength and an amazing Soul mate, Husband, Father, Stepfather, Dad, Daddy, Grandpa, Grandpy, Tata and loyal Friend.

At our last family gathering, Jesse shared how content he was with his life and how very happy and blessed he was. He felt he had lived a good life and had no regrets. Without knowing at the time, we now hold on firmly to Jesse's words because they help to give us peace as we struggle with such an unbearable grief.

Without a doubt we know Jesse has his peaceful place in heaven , free of pain and filled with love to be with his beautiful grandchildren RJ and Maria and all the family and friends that went before him.

We miss Jesse so much, but have faith that someday we will all meet again. Corazon, with all our love, para siempre. Your family


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275