Alfredo Cortez Torres

Alfredo was born in Fabens, Texas and raised in California. His family traveled between the two states seeking work during the Great Depression. Alfredo began working with his family at the age of 9, and at 20 joined the U.S. Army Air Corps.

While in the Army he served in World War II as a medic. He landed on the beach of Normandy, France on the day after D-Day. He was often the first face a wounded soldier would see. There he treated those he could, and comforted those he couldn't. His service to our country included active duty in the Ardennes, Central Europe, Northern France, Rhineland, and Normandy campaigns.

Following the war he met and married the love of his life Guadalupe Sifuentes and settled in Santa Clara, New Mexico. Together they raised three children: Lupe, Alfred, and Michael. He worked in the copper mines of New Mexico for 26 years.

Alfredo was widowed after 40 years of marriage when Guadalupe passed away in 1987.

In his later years Alfredo moved to Moreno Valley, California to reside with his daughter Lupe. He spent his days reading western novels and making hundreds of rosaries. He donated nearly all of the rosaries to soldiers currently serving in the U.S. military through the "Rosaries for Troops" program.

When he wasn't working on rosaries he enjoyed visiting friends at the Veterans Administration hospital, listening to Al Hurricane, and of course - going to the casino. Alfredo took full advantage of the "friends and family" plan as he made sure to speak with his sons who lived out of state every day. He also loved fishing, gardening, bingo, and making jewelry.

Before Alfredo left us he celebrated one last Thanksgiving. He said grace with his entire family attending and made sure Al Hurricane played on the radio. He smiled, laughed, and even enjoyed a few beers.

Alfredo is survived by his children, their spouses, eight grandchildren, and seventeen great grandchildren.