Lorenzo "Toro" F. Avalos, Sr.

Better known as “Toro” lost his battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at his home in Banning, CA on Sunday, December 2, 2012 with his wife Gloria, of 47 years, and sons, daughter, daughter-in-law and grandchildren at his side. Lorenzo was 71 years of age. He was born on February 17, 1941 in Globe, Arizona to Jose and Margarita Avalos. He was the youngest of 7 children.

He was a resident of Banning for 47 years where he and Gloria raised their children Alfredo, Lorenzo and Inez. Lorenzo worked as a street sweeper operator for 13 years for the city of Banning and 22 years for the city of Palm Springs from where he retired in 2001.

He enjoyed visiting with family and friends; fishing and camping; eating Consuelo’s green chili burritos; and going back to Arizona to visit with family and friends with whom he enjoyed drinking and singing traditional Mexican songs.

Lorenzo was a very loving, sincere and compassionate man who was very proud of his family. He was a very loving, warm and playful grandfather. He loved his 2 grandchildren to “pieces”, and was always there to encourage and support them in everything that they did.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria; sons, Alfredo “Torito” and Lorenzo (Doreen); Daughter, Inez; grandchildren, Shannea Avalos and fiancé Anthony Forrest, and Lorenzo “Gordo” Avalos and girlfriend Michelle Ochoa whom he referred to as his granddaughter. All of whom are residents of Banning California. Also survived by his brother, Ruben (Dolores) Avalos of Globe, AZ; sister, Teresa (Manuel) Juvera of Three Points, AZ and many, many, many more nieces, nephews and “adoptive” grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Lorenzo always wore a huge warm smile and always greeted others with a huge bear hug. There will never be a more caring, loving, and compassionate, encouraging and supportive family patriarch. His presence and great stories will be greatly missed.

A viewing will be held at Weaver Mortuary at 1177 Beaumont Avenue, Beaumont, CA on Saturday, December 15th at 10:00 am, with a Memorial Service following at 11:00 am.