Richard Torres Jr.

October 27, 1957 - July 15, 2023 Richard Torres Jr. was born on October 27, 1957 to Richard Torres Sr. and Sara Solis Torres in Fresno, California. He passed away peacefully in his Kingsburg, California home surrounded by his cherished family on July 15, 2023 at the age of 65. Richard was the oldest son of 15 children: Gloria, Virginia, Jesse, Robert, Vincent, Beatrice, Esther, Lisa, Rosalinda, Hector, Rachel, Mario, Christina, and Michael. Richard married the love of his life, Cecelia Mascorro Torres on April 20, 1976. They were married in this life for 47 years and will be eternally tied to each other in the next. They lived in Farmersville, California for 22 years where they raised their four children: Emily G. Torres Koop, Richard P. Torres III, Gloria S. Torres, and Cynthia A. Clubb. Richard and Cecelia moved to Kingsburg, California in 2001. Together they enjoyed spending time with their eight grandchildren: Richard W. Torres IV, Jacob R. Torres, Gracie L. Torres, Gianna R. Torres, Belle G. Clubb, Zachary J. Clubb, Alena R. Clubb, and Emilie E. Clubb. As well as their bonus children through marriage, Amy M. Koop, Maria R. Torres, and J. Patrick Clubb. Richard began his career as a mechanic at the age of 14 working on cars, motorcycles, and trucks. He drove trucks for many years, worked at different auto shops and dairies around the valley. He worked with Dover Dairy closely for over 20 years. Richard started his own business in 1986 retiring after 32 years in 2018. When Richard wasn't at work, he could be found spending time with his family listening to music in the living room, camping at Big Meadows, napping on the beach, and any chance he had he went to sporting events. He was never too busy to take time from work to go to his children or grandchildren's events, even if that meant showing up in his work clothes. Richard cherished every moment he could by making everything an adventure. From bike rides around the neighborhood to driving around aimlessly then ending up at Mooney Grove park just to play with his kids. He was never too tired to teach, coach, talk, or play with anyone he came in contact with. There were many things that Richard was passionate about. He grew up playing football, basketball, baseball, golf, riding motorcycles, and many other sports. He rode motorcycles for leisure and competition with his brothers and brother in-laws. He taught his children, nieces, nephews, and in-laws how to ride and be brave. He competed in flat track and motocross at many tracks around the valley. Golf was a sport that was shared with his siblings, children, grandchildren, and friends. A calm sport that was never played calmly. Always filled with jokes and competitiveness. There was never a time that there wasn't a competition, someone always kept score. His 1967 Red Mustang was a prized possession that he spent many nights drag racing legally or on the streets of various cities but don't tell on him about those good times. Playing slow pitch was something he grew a deep passion for. He was a sought after pitcher that had cat-like reflexes on the mound. The middle was never open when he was pitching. Richard traveled to the Senior World Series in Utah, earning both Gold and Silver medals. He played on countless slow pitch teams with his kids, nephews, nieces, grandchildren, siblings, cousins, and countless friends. These were some of his most treasured times. Any time with family is what he always wanted, "more time" as he would say. After the games, BBQ's included music blaring, dancing, having fun hazing one another about who didn't get a hit that game, who dropped the ball, who didn't make the play, and who needed to "know their body" before legging out a double that was really a single. These are some of the few memories that we will all carry in our hearts. His laugh was contagious and his kindness unprecedented. Richard will be remembered by his big heart and endless time he spent with others. Richard would literally give the shirt off his back if you were in need and would help in any facet of your life that you sought out his guidance or help in. He was known to those that loved him as Babe, Papa, Daddy, Ricky, Grandpa, Big Rich, Tio, and other loving nicknames. His legacy will be left in all the lives he touched. To live each day to the fullest, make the most of your time as there is never enough, to love those around you fiercely and fully. Richard is preceded in death by his mother Sara, his father Richard, and his sister Virginia. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 28th, 2023 in Kingsburg at 10 AM at Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Burial will be at the Kingsburg Cemetery immediately following the chapel services. Reception will be at the Kingsburg Gun Club. Condolences can be sent to the family at https://www.creightonchapel.com/