Ian Torres, 45, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and South Bristol, left this life too soon on the morning of Oct. 31 after a year-long battle with a rare cancer. He was born on Aug. 23, 1969.
A big guy with a bigger heart, Ian would give the shirt off his back to help a friend in need.
Ian leaves behind his family and the many friends who had the pleasure to travel in his path.
To all who knew him, his cheerful smile and bone-crushing hugs will be greatly missed.
Ian was fortunate to spend his childhood in Northampton, Mass., making lifelong friends there. A 1987 graduate of “Hamp High” he played football with Coach Tudryn’s 1986 championship team and baseball throughout his school years. He was the third baseman and captain of the U Mass baseball team in the early 1990s, made the college all star team in 1991, allowing him the privilege to play at Fenway. Later he played semi-pro ball in Puerto Rico.
He moved to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. with his young family in 2000. He owned a small renovation company there. In spite of his busy schedule, he spent his free time volunteering in his son’s school and the community. A baseball fanatic, he cherished the opportunity to coach his young players and smiled at the rewards of seeing them do well.
Ian leaves his wife, Sandra Zambrana; son, Ian Taylor Torres of Plantation, Fla.; parents, Edward and Yvette Torres of South Bristol; sister, Sylvia Torres of California; adored mother-in-law, Minerva Velez; brothers-in-law, Joey and Edgar Zambrana and their families in Lajas, Puerto Rico; aunts, uncles, and cousins throughout New England; and many friends around the country.
A mass and celebration of his life will be held on Sat., Nov. 8 at Saint Jerome Catholic Church, 2533 SW 9th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. A memorial service will be held in the Northeast at a later date.
Please leave messages and your stories about Ian online at: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ian-Edward-Torres/100006007574979
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Little League or youth baseball program in Ian’s memory.
