Jerry Torres' Obituary
On July 8th, 2023, the heavens became a bit safer as Staff Sergeant Jerry Torres, USMC, Retired, walked tall through the pearly gates. Upon his arrival in heaven, Jerry was asked, "How have you loved?" "Endlessly," he responded. He was then asked, "How have you lived?" He proudly responded, "Fearlessly." Jerry Torres was a son of the Bronx, the proudest Marine you have ever met, but above all, a devoted father. After the birth of his children, his proudest achievement was actively serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1979 to 1999. Jerry graduated from MCRD Parris Island in November 1979. He honorably served his country as an Infantryman and a Marine Security Guard stationed at the US Embassies in Guatemala and Costa Rica. Jerry was assigned to I Co 3/8, W Co 3/1, L Co 3/1, G Co 2/1, SOI West, and deployed to Ground Defense Forces, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Jerry retired after serving 20 years in August 1999. Jerry was the epitome of the phrase "Once a Marine, always a Marine." After being diagnosed with ALS in 2014, Jerry fought with the biggest heart, toughest grit, and widest smile you could imagine. He taught us all to "LAUGH as much as you breathe and LOVE as much as you live." Jerry's battle with ALS was nothing short of courageous, and like a true Marine, he fought it until the very end. We can definitely say that he won. Jerry is survived by his three children, Gabriel, Priscilla, and Alexander, and his wife, Marilyn. He was preceded by his mother, Priscilla, brother Mickey, and sister Martita, who greeted him upon his arrival in the heavens. There will be a closed casket viewing on July 25th from 4 pm to 8 pm at Greenwood Memorial Park & Mortuary. We will then be celebrating Jerry's life on July 26th at 11:30 am at Greenwood Memorial Park & Mortuary, followed by interment at Miramar National Cemetery right afterward. Flowers may be sent to Greenwood Memorial Park in his name on July 25th, or please consider a donation to the ALS Foundation in Jerry's name.
What’s your fondest memory of Jerry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jerry?
Share a story where Jerry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jerry you’ll never forget.
How did Jerry make you smile?
