Alfredo C. Torres, 90, passed away early in the morning on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 after a long battle of COPD.
The Holy Rosary will be recited at 7 O'clock in the evening at Baca's Funeral Chapels by Deacon David Castnanon. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Friday at 10 O'clock in the morning on December 7, 2012 at St. Francis Newman Center Parrish at 10 O'clock in the morning officiated by Father Mike Williams. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Ft. Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors.
He was born on September 17, 1922 in Fabens, Texas and raised in California. His family traveled between the two states seeking work during the Great Depression. Alfredo began working with his family at the age of 9 and at 20 joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. While in the Army he served in World War II as a medic. He landed on the beach of Normandy, France on the day after D-Day. He was often the first face a wounded soldier would see. There he treated those he could, and comforted those he couldn't. His service to our country included active duty in the Ardennes, Central Europe, Northern France, Rhineland and Normandy campaigns. Following the war he met and married the love of his life Guadalupe Sifuentes and settled in Santa Clara, New Mexico. Together they raised 3 children; Lupe, Alfred, and Michael. He worked in the Copper Mines of New Mexico and after 26 years retired. Alfredo was widowed after 40 years of marriage when Guadalupe passed away in 1987. In his later years Alfredo moved to Moreno Valley, California to reside with his daughter Lupe. He spent his days reading western novels and making hundreds of rosaries. He donated nearly all of the rosaries to soldiers currently serving the U.S. military through the "Rosaries for Troops" program. When he wasn't working on the rosaries he enjoyed visiting friends at the Veterans Administration Hospital, listening to Al Hurricane, and of course going to the casino. Alfredo took full advantage of the "friends and family" plan as he made sure to speak with his sons who lived out of state every day. He also loved fishing, gardening, bingo, and making jewelry. Before Alfredo left us he celebrated one last Thanksgiving. He said grace with his entire family attending and made sure Al Hurricane played on the radio. He smiled, laughed and even enjoyed a few beers.
He is survived by his children, their spouses, eight grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.
To send condolences, please login to: www.bacasfuneralchapels.com. Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Silver City, Baca's Silver City Crematory, 3805 Delk Drive. Phone 388-2334.
