Epifanio Torres Jr.

MGYSGT

Epifanio

USMC, (Ret)

12/02/1931 – 03/18/2013

OCEANSIDE

With heavy hearts it is announced that MGYSGT Epifanio “John” Torres Jr., USMC (retired) has reported to his final duty station. He passed away peacefully at the age of 81.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Helen; his three children, Isabel Torres-Miller, Andrew Torres, Celeste Wittman and son-in-law, Brandon Wittman; grandchildren, Sammy Torres, Eddie Torres, Wyatt Miller, Helena Kuszajewski, Jacob Miller, Noah Wittman, Isaac Wittman; and great-granddaughter, Reagan Torres.

Born in Lockhart, Texas, Epifanio “John” was raised in San Antonio and attended John B. Hood Elementary School, Washington Irving Jr. High School and Tech High School before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1951.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Torres celebrated a long and distinguished career in the Corps. He gallantly served in the Republics of Korea and Vietnam. Torres’ personal decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal with combat “V” and two gold stars in lieu of 2nd and 3rd awards, Combat Action Ribbon, Good conduct Medal with nine stars, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea Service Medal with three stars, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Medals, Republic of Vietnam Civic Action Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Presidential Unit citation with one star. He retired on April 1, 1984 with over 32 years of active service. Upon retirement, Torres was the Senior Communicator in the United States Marine Corps.

In his civilian life, John remained close to his military community and lived in Oceanside, California where he actively served the American GI Forum. An avid softball enthusiast, he could regularly be found on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons playing ball with the North County Senior Softball League.

John also volunteered his time in support of St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish and School, Oceanside High School Band and Drill Team Booster Club and Camp Pendleton Youth Baseball Program.

Near and dear to his heart were his seven grandchildren and great-grandchild. Grandpa, as they called him, could always be relied upon for “ice cream” money. He never missed a baseball game, dance recital, first communion, birthday or graduation. He enjoyed family reunion events, summers camping at the beach and road trips in his blue Toyota pick-up truck.

Torres was preceded in death by his parents, Aurelia and Lidio Charles; sisters, Yolanda Hernandez, Dora Martinez; and brothers, Oscar Torres and Antonio Torres.

Services will be held on:

Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at Oceanside First Presbyterian Church, 2001 S. El Camino Real, Oceanside CA 92054 as follows:

Viewing – 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Funeral Service – 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon.

Interment – 2:00 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92518

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the American GI Forum.