When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Cornelio Torres, our Tata Cornie.
He will always be remembered as a faithful, hardworking man, possessed with traditional "old school" morals. He clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. He told you exactly how it was and how it was going to be. And, as we the family know, if we ever heard those words "I gonna tell you something..." we knew he meant business.
His parents were Stanley and Vicenta Torres. As a child he was raised in Phoenix, Arizona. At the age of 12, Tata lost his father and due to an unforeseen event, he quit school and started working in order to help support his mother. He continued this hard working mentality throughout his life. His primary occupation was being a "trackman" and was employed for 39 years by the US Railroad Sante Fe. He was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of "give me a job, and I will get it done."
Tat's retirement arrived in 1991 and he chose I stay here in Parker, Arizona. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and coin collecting. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching various sports whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were baseball, especially those Arizona Diamondbacks.
Tata was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was the dog us grandkids remember the most, Hush, a basset hound. They were best friends for 10 years.
He also enjoyed traveling and taking his family on various vacations. Some of their favorite spots to visit were Northern California, Southern California and Seattle, Washington.
Faith was important to Tata he held high on moral standards. He was a member of the Parker Apostolic Church for 67 years. During that time he served on many local and state boards for the Varones department. He also volunteered his time to cook at Arizona youth camps and many other roles in the church.
On December 7, 1952 Tata exchanged wedding vows with the love of his life, Josephine Leivas. They were married at Parker Apostolic Church in Parker, Arizona. Their family eventually grew as the would welcome five children, Rachel, Veronica, Elva, Monica and Nathan. Then his family grew even more as he welcomed fifteen grandchildren, Delise, Rebecca, Joseph, Samuel, Michael, Mark, Ondrea, Celeste, Daniel, Fernando, Roseanna, Veronica, Erica, Jeremy and Ryan. And now... 27 great grandchildren, which we would be here all morning if I named them all. Tata was ever watchful over his entire family and was devoted to making sure they knew two things. One, how important God was in each of our lives and two, how important family was.
Sadly Tata passed away on October 27, 2018 at Abrazo Heart Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. He is survived by his children Elva, Monica, Nathan, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services were held at Parker Apostolic Church on November 3, 2018 at 9am. Cornelio was laid to rest in the Parker Cemetery next to the love of his life Josephine Torres of 64 years.
All who knew him would agree that our Tata was a pillar of the community, the church and our family. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Cornelio Torres did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person. He left behind a beautiful legacy and he fought the good fight! Well done Tata! Well done!
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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