Robert C. Torrez, 55 of Melbourne, Florida, died Monday, November 11, 2019 at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida, after unforeseen complications with a 2nd heart transplant surgery his first transplant being on February 19, 2010.
Born in Croswell, Michigan on January 31, 1964, he was the youngest of 6 siblings and son of Jessie G. and Francisca C.Torrez of Croswell, Michigan. On April 12, 1986, he married Penny Webber. After several relocations connected to his military service, he moved to Melbourne, Florida in October 2000 and lived there the remainder of his life.
After high school, Robert enlisted in the United States Air Force on August 13, 1982. He left to train as an Air Technician working on Hydraulic and Pneudraulic Systems on Air Force aircraft. Robert served as search and rescue at Hurlburt AFB and multiple tours in the Air Force including Operation Desert Shield and Storm, Operation Northern & Southern Watch, Operation Iraq Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and many other sites of service.
During Robert’s lengthy and prestigious career, he earned many accolades. Those achievements include the Air Force Commendation Medal-3, Air Force Achievement -2, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award-7 +Valor, Air Force Good Conduct-3, National Defense Service with 2 stars, Southeast Asia Service with 2 stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, Iraq Campaign, Air Force Overseas, Kuwait Liberation Medal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Liberation Medal Government of Kuwait, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship, Armed Forces, Air Force Longevity and many other awards. Robert also worked at NASA as Quality Assurance and worked on multiple vehicles including Space Shuttle Discovery Orbiter Vehicle-103. Robert also was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 4465 he participated annually in many worthy causes including Walk for Life, the Susan B. Kohmen Breast Cancer Walkathon and multiple activities contributing to Habitat for Humanity.
He leaves behind his devoted, loving wife and partner of 33 years, Penny; two daughters, Lauren (Felipe) and Rheana (Devin) Torrez. He is survived by sister, Jane (Robert) Garza; brother, Jesse (Diane) Torrez, Lupe (Pauline) Torrez, Terry (Jim) MacMillan (Fort Gratiot, MI) and Mary Lou Torrez, all of Croswell, Michigan. He was a loving grandfather to Felipe Jr., Esperanza and Rosalina. He is survived by many many more nieces, nephews, family, friends and military family than can be counted.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Francisca.
Robert was our father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend who will be dearly missed. He filled our lives with more than we can even begin to describe. The sense of loss we feel will be forever lasting and enduring. He was loved and gave his love freely, without judgment and whole heartedly. Everyone who knew him loved him and he was a ray of sunshine in all the lives he touched. It is with deep love and deeper sadness that we say goodbye to this great man. We will be eternally grateful to the staff and caregivers at Tampa General Hospital who provided him with warmth and compassion.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at noon at Ascension Catholic Church in Melbourne, Florida. There will be a Gathering and Remembrance luncheon at Robert and Penny’s home in Melbourne following the service.
Memorials in Robert’s honor may be made to a GoFundMe account set up by the family.
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