Pedro Antonio Torres Jr.

Born in Manhattan to Pedro and Agustina Torres, Peter was raised alongside his younger brother Bruce and younger sister Deborah, with a deep appreciation for education, curiosity, and hard work — values that shaped every chapter of his extraordinary life. He attended Cardinal Hayes High School and went on to become the only student from his graduating class accepted into the Columbia University School of Pharmacy. His lifelong love of learning never faded, and books remained one of his greatest passions until the very end.

In 1971, before completing pharmacy school, Peter married the love of his life, Pilar. Together they built a beautiful marriage that spanned 54 remarkable years, filled with laughter, adventure, unwavering devotion, and memories made traveling around the world.

After welcoming their son Paul in 1976, Peter and Pilar moved from Brooklyn to Andover, New Jersey, where they later welcomed their daughter Stephanie in 1979. Peter dedicated 44 years to his work as a pharmacist, but no professional achievement ever mattered more to him than his family. Despite a demanding career, he never missed a single important moment in his children's lives.

To know Peter was to love him. He was the undeniable life of every party — endlessly funny, mischievous, playful, and full of joy. He had a rare gift for turning ordinary days into unforgettable adventures through made-up games, prank wars, storytelling, and nonstop laughter. Children gravitated toward him, adults admired him, and everyone who met him walked away smiling.

Peter devoted himself wholeheartedly to his community and to his children's activities. He served as Cubmaster for his local Cub Scout pack, founded and coached a championship-winning forensics team at his children's elementary school, taught confirmation classes, and chaperoned countless overnight field trips. Whenever help was needed, Peter was always the first to volunteer.

He also became the family's self-appointed travel agent, carefully planning summer vacations down to the hour to ensure his family experienced every national park, roadside stop, museum, and historical landmark possible. His enthusiasm for discovery made every trip unforgettable.

As his family grew, so did his joy. He welcomed his children's spouses, Amy and Derek, with open arms, and became a deeply devoted grandfather to Sara, Lily, Jack, and Elle. Being "Haha" was one of the greatest honors of his life. He brought the same magic, humor, patience, and boundless love to grandfatherhood that he brought to fatherhood, becoming — just as he always had been — everyone's favorite.

Peter leaves behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, generosity, intellect, faith, and unconditional love. Though his family's hearts are broken, they remain deeply grateful for the immeasurable gift of having loved and been loved by such an extraordinary man.

He is survived by his beloved wife Pilar; his children Paul (Amy) and Stephanie (Derek); his cherished grandchildren Sara, Lily, Jack, and Elle; and his sister Deborah.

A viewing will be held on Monday, May 11, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Babione Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 12, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, with a repast to follow.

In the hearts of those who knew him, Peter's laughter, wisdom, and love will live on forever.