Brigido Torres

Livestream of the service will begin at 1:00pm Thursday at the following link: https://livestream.com/accounts/29266864/events/9097155



Brigido Torres, 95 years strong, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2020 at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Aldersgate in Charlotte, NC with family by his side. Mr. Torres was born on October 8, 1924 in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, his native hometown where he returned to live 15 years ago. Prior to that, he lived for many years in Durham, NC and before that lived and raised his family in Peekskill, NY. Brigido worked for many years as a self-employed truck driver until retirement.

Brigido, respectfully and affectionately known as Papá, will be remembered for his faith which was always strong and devout; his love of tending to his land, animals and garden; playing the harmonica and accordion; wood-working; and inventing all sorts of things to use around his home and garden. Mostly, though, he loved spending time with his family for which he led and protected as the patriarch.

On May 22, 1948 at Parroquia San Juan Bautista Catholic Church in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, he married his beloved Irma Guadalupe Ortiz. They parented 10 children and were married for 44 years until Irma’s passing on November 27, 1992.

In 1997, he and Alicia Orozco joined together in a second marriage for both in Durham, NC and eventually made their home in Orocovis, Puerto Rico; she survives him.

Brigido is survived by his nine children: Maria Thomas and her husband Greg of Mooresville, NC; Carmen Schuka and her husband Stanley of Wappingers Falls, NY; Irma Steiner and her husband Michael of Raleigh, NC; Peter Torres and his wife Vicki of Pflugerville, TX; William Torres and his wife Joanne of Charlotte, NC; Anna Somers and her husband Andrew of Durham, NC; Alfred Torres of Fort Mill, SC; Bernadette Gordy and her husband John of Joint Base MDL, NJ; and Carlos Torres and his companion Amanda Randalli of Columbus, OH. Sadly, Brigido and Irma were predeceased by one son, Benjamin Torres, on December 26, 1991.

He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, who lovingly called him Papá, all whom he cherished greatly: Bryan (Rochelle) Schuka, Bradley (Danielle) Schuka, Michael (Laura Santoro) Schuka, Joseph Schuka, Paige Amstutz, Angela (Borphan) Limthong, Christina (Nick) Dunbar, April (Chris) Hager, Mary (Jon) Mitchell, Juli (Alex) Richani, Peter Somers, Alex Thomas, Meghan (Alex) Lederle, and John Gordy III. He is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren which he loved being around: Zoe, Addison, Zane, Savannah, Parker, Lexi, Ethan, Tom, Robinson, Benjamin, Michael, Dean, Eva, Elle and Audric.

Brigido is survived by his sisters, Blanca Torres and Lily Rivera and his brothers, Guillermo (Marilu) Torres, Elcian (Anna) Torres and David (Olga) Torres. He was predeceased by 3 brothers and 4 sisters. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews both in the States and in Puerto Rico.

In light of the recent worldwide occurrences dealing with the outbreak of COVID-19, FOR IMMEDIATE FAMILY ONLY, there will be a private viewing followed by a private graveside service at the Maplewood Cemetery in Durham, NC.

His family will plan a Celebration of Life Memorial Mass at a later date and time at his former parish of Immaculata Catholic Church, Durham, NC for all of his family and friends to come together, remember and celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care – Charlotte Region, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226 or through the HPCCR.org website. The entire Torres family offers all of the Hospice staff a special thanks for the care they gave our husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather during his final days.