Audali R. Torres' Obituary
Audali Torres Rios 85, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at his home in Sheffield Village, Ohio, surrounded by his loving family and devoted wife Rosa Torres of 63 years. Mr. Torres was born on October 5, 1938, in Utuado, Puerto Rico to Gil and Ramona Torres.
Mr. Torres attended high school and electrical vocational school in Utuado, Puerto Rico. Mr. Torres had dreams of a better and brighter future so at the age of 18, he moved to Lorain Ohio. Knowing minimal English, he worked various jobs, until on his birthday in 1958 he began his career at the Ford Motor Company in Lorain, Ohio. While working at Ford Motor Company Audali became one of the first Hispanics to be certified, licensed and bonded as an Electrical contractor, naming his company “Rios Electric and Son”. Audali ended his career after 38 years of service.
Mr. Torres joined forces up with Nicholas Gonzalez. Mr. Gonzalez introduced Audali to his family, and it was love at first sight when he saw Mr. Gonzalez’s daughter, Rosa M. Gonzalez. They were married on May 28th, 1960. Together they were blessed with nine children of their own and raised Jose Juan Torres as a son as well. Mr. Torres along with his beloved wife Rosa Torres took in many family members and raised them as their own over the years while growing their own family.
After his retirement in 1999 he returned to Utuado, Puerto Rico to enjoy his life accomplishments. Mr. Torres, along with his wife Rosa, decided to build a home to mirror the one built in Ohio, designed to welcome all who wanted to come and enjoy the island and visit. He remained in Utuado, Puerto Rico for 14 years before he returned to Ohio in 2013 due to medical reasons.
Mr. Torres was a proud member of the Ford UAW. He was a past president of Club Utuado in Lorain, Ohio. Mr. Torres was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Chapel in Lorain, Ohio, where he was known for roasting pigs for the annual festival. He was a member of the Holy Name Society. Audali, his brother Hector Torres, and other church members were a pillar in bringing the Curcillo Movement to Lorain, Ohio and spreading it to surrounding states. Mr. Torres was a devoted man of God, his church, and the community.
Of all his accomplishments his favorites were his sole proprietorship, “Rios Electric and Son”, building his two dream homes, one in Sheffield Village Ohio, the other in his hometown of Utuado, Puerto Rico, being a contestant on the “Cash Explosion Game Show”, and being a member of the Republican Party.
In Mr. Torres’ spare time he enjoyed playing poker, dominos, playing softball, bowling. He loved repairing bicycles. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed taking care of his property. He enjoyed traveling and visiting casinos in different states and in Puerto Rico, with a trip to Las Vegas topping the list.
Mr. Torres is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Rosa Maria Torres. His children; Luz Maria Torres (Scott Smith) of Utuado, Puerto Rico, Audali Jose (AJ) Torres (Maria Marrero) of Lorain, Ohio, Laura Amparo Torres of Lorain, Ohio, Ramonita Luisa Cabral (Juan) of Indiana, Ana Nilda Rose (Marty deceased) of Lorain, Ohio, Elvin Gil Torres of Lorain, Marilyn Julie Torres of Lorain, Maria Elena Torres of South Euclid, and Jose Juan Torres of Sheffield, Village. Mr. Torres has 27 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Gil and Ramona Torres, his brothers Hector, Aurelio, and Guillermo Torres, his sister’s Gladys Salva and Olga Velez. Brother-in-laws, Luis and Jose Velez, Leonardo Badillo, and Nicholas and Angel Gonzalez. His grandson Antonio Miguel Santana.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 19th, from 4 -8 pm at Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Friends will also be received on Wednesday at Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain, from 8:30 am until the time of his Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am. Rev. Fr. William Thaden, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain. To send an online condolence, please visit www.dovinreberjones.com.
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