In Loving Memory

Photo of Richard Torres

Richard Torres

May 12, 1937 — October 11, 2026

Richard Torres father and grandfather, brother, uncle, relative and friend, passed away in the morning after trying to recover from about illness on October 11, 2026 the Lord called his faithful servant home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Richard was born on May 12, 1937, in Socorro, New Mexico. Richard lived a life filled with love, dedication, and quiet strength. He was the cherished son of Toribio Torres and Lugadita (Gonzales) Torres. Richard was predeceased by his parents, his son Steven Torres of Nashville, Tennessee, in 2021, and his beloved wife, Marylou Torres, on March 8, 2025. He is survived by his daughter, Christina Sweeny of Colorado, and his grandson, Alec James. Richard also leaves behind his siblings: Dolores Sanchez of Albuquerque, NM; Emily Saenz of Ruidoso, NM; Cleofias Torres of Alamogordo, NM; Lillian Rey of Oswego, KS; and Bobby Torres of Alamogordo, NM. He is remembered fondly by numerous nephews and nieces, great-nephews and nieces, cousins, relatives, and friends he met during his travels across the USA. In 1959, Richard married the love of his life, Marylou. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Christina and Steven, both of whom pursued careers as pharmacists. Richard took great joy in caring for his family and their numerous beloved dogs over the years. Richard graduated from Alamogordo High School in 1955 and later attended Western New Mexico University, where he worked at the Silver City Fire Department to support his education. He earned a bachelor's degree in Education in 1959. Richard began his career as a draftsman for the Corps of Engineers in Albuquerque and later became a technical writer for the Naval Weapons Facility until his retirement. His dedication extended to serving in the National Guard until Marylou's health required his full attention. A lifelong member of Saint Anne's Church, Richard was a man of quiet faith and service. He took pride in meticulously caring for his household and family, ensuring everything was in order. He was known for his kindness, loyalty, and unwavering support. Richard had a passion for camping, fishing, gardening, and traveling to visit his children, always maintaining close ties with his family through heartfelt gestures like calls, postcards, and letters. Richard's life will be celebrated on November 5, 2026, at Saint Anne's Catholic Church, located at 1400 Arenal Road SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105. The service will begin at 8:15 AM. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the children of Dolores Sanchez for their visits, food, and companionship, as well as to the nurses, caregivers, and doctors who provided care and comfort in his final days. Send any flowers or cards or donations to Saint Anne's Church in his memory. His legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.

Service Program

Service Details

November 5, 202608:15
Saint Anne's Catholic Church1400 Arenal Road SW Albuquerque,NM 87105

Order of Service

Processional
Opening Prayer
Hymn
Scripture Reading
Musical Selection
Words of Remembrance
Eulogy
Closing Prayer
Recessional

Only a Memory Away

So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near. And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear all of my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and say, "Welcome Home."

Special Thanks

A special thank you to the Children of Dolores Sanchez for visting and sending food and taking him anything he wanted to be happy in his environment and for taking him out to eat. And other relatives that took time to visit and spend time with him and call him and write letters. To all the nurses and caregivers and doctors. Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner. All is well. By Henry Scott Holland.