Manuel Torres

Manuel Torres died peacefully on January 26, 2022.  Born on June 16, 1924 in Butte, Montana, he was raised in Mexico and eventually settled in Joliet, Illinois.  He was married to Juliana Garcia and together they raised six children, Gloria Mauet (Thomas), Roberto, Estela, Sylvia, Martha (Kevin Wilde) and Victor Torres.  He had seven grandchildren; Gregory Robert, Mario Luis, Marcos Manuel, Alejandro, Kristina Marta, Jessica Elisa and Laura Estela, and six great grandchildren. He is survived by brothers Jesus, Jose Antonio, sister Julieta and many nieces and nephews. He will be remembered as a family man and leader of the family. He firmly believed that anything could be accomplished through hard work and persistence and he raised his children accordingly.

Manuel was employed by the GAF Corporation for over 35 years, and was also a tax consultant for H&R Block.  Manuel served his community as an election judge. He was active in his union and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). He was known as the "go to" man for help and acted as an interpreter and translator for many in the Latino community. He was proud to be bilingual and bi-cultural; these skills enabled him to hold a key position in the Mexican Armed Forces.

He was preceded in death by his wife Juliana, brothers Margarito (Mike), Ramon, sisters Juanita, Elena, Maria and his grandson Gregory Robert Torres.

Services for Manuel were held privately.