Joseph W. Torres

Joseph ""Joe"" William Torres, a long-time resident of Lakewood, CO and revered former (retired) Denver Public School educator and School Administrator passed away Sunday, September 30, 2012 in Denver, CO. Fun-loving, Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Joe was born on October 7, 1924 in Weston, CO, the son of deceased parents Jose Estanislado and Carmelita Cordova Torres. Preceding him in death are siblings Ben (Dora), Anita, Anna Abeyta (Augustine), Louis E., Ida Gurule (Abel), Frank, Martin, and Violita and brother-in law Ray Torres. Survivors are Sister Kate and sisters-in-law Mary Ann, and Rachel. In 1948, Joe was united in marriage to his surviving wife Mary Martinez Torres. Michael Joseph Torres (deceased) was their son. Surviving granddaughters are Lindsey and Jessica Torres. Great-grandchildren are Dominic, Layla and Joshua. Joe attended and graduated from Primero High School (1942), Trinidad Jr. College (1947), University of Denver (B.A. and M.B.A.), and University of Northern Colorado in Business Education and School Administration. In 1946-47, Joe served as an U. S. Army Clerical Motorpool Sargent in Korea. Joe had a love of sports all his life. As a star athlete, Joe excelled at Basketball, Track, Baseball, and Ping Pong. He attended Trinidad Jr. College on an athletic scholarship where he played basketball and ran track. During tied-score basketball games Joe often shot the last minute winning basket. Beginning his first job in 1948, at Hoehne High School in Trinidad, CO, Joe was the school's first Hispanic teacher and coach. Joe initiated the school's first ""Annual"" Basketball tournament which became and has remained a school tradition. In that same year he led his team to state. In his later years, as a Ping Pong enthusiast, he won many Ping Pong tournaments. In his youth, Joe created his strong work ethic by helping his grandfather J.L Torres and Dad on the Torres family ranch. Ranch work dominated his teen years especially during WWII when his older brothers enlisted in the army. Living in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains of southern CO he cultivated his life-long love of the outdoors. He loved fishing, camping, hunting. Even at the age of 86 Joe continued to fish. These were activities that Joe loved sharing with his son Mike. Joe enjoyed yard work, gardening, and construction projects. You would never find Joe sitting down except to watch his beloved Broncos. Joe was a successful business education teacher, counselor, assistant principal, and principal in the following schools: Hoehne High School (Trinidad, CO), and in the following Denver Public Schools serving 29 years: Cole Jr. High, Henry Jr. High, Skinner Jr. High, and North High School. He taught evening classes at Emily Griffith Adult Ed School. He was so proud of his education, his career and the people that were part of this educational field. Everyone he worked with valued his enduring, positive attitude and successful leadership qualities. He was the recipient of various recognition awards: Denver Public Schools Education Service Award (29 years of service), North High School Student Body Appreciation Award. Singles and Doubles Champion (Ping Pong) 1965, 1966. In his retirement years, Joe strived to remain active maintaining a small business that included: interior and exterior house painting, home repair, and lawn mowing (15-21 lawns per week). He was skill-full, resourceful, and imaginative. Many of his beloved home projects were the vision of his wife Mary. She had the idea and he made it become the reality. Joe had a strong spiritual side. Joe was an active participant in various Catholic churches: Our Lady of Presentation, Notre Dame Catholic Church and St. Jude Catholic Church. At St. Jude, Joe served as an active usher (26 years) and proudly initiated and taught the Religious Youth Education Program. He was given special recognition for his many years of service. He was always ready and proud to serve his church, attending daily mass. Family meant everything to Joe. He was committed to make sure everyone had everything they needed. His many visits and phone calls to all his siblings, nieces, nephews and friends attested to this fact. He was quite the"" jokester"" and loved making people smile. It energized him to entertain and get family and friends together for a party. All this brought Joe the greatest joy. For this very reason everyone loves Joe. His life journey was rich and full, his commitment to others inspiring and in the process he had a ton of fun and so did we. Thanks Joe, you are an inspiring legend. As you would say: ""Cheers!!! How sweet it is!"" The family would like to thank all employees of the Rose of Sharon Care Facility for the kind, compassionate, vigilant care given to Joe the past 11 months of his life. A special thanks to Father Michael Gass, Deacon Michael, Chaplain Bill Campbell, and St. Jude parish staff. Rosary with a Funeral Mass following will be Monday, October 8, 2012, 9:30 AM at Saint Jude Catholic Church, 9405 West Florida Avenue, Lakewood, Colorado 80232. Interment will be Monday, October 8, 2012, 2:30 PM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80235. Please share your memories of Joseph and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook.