Juan I. Torres, 77, One of the first Hispanic DJ's in area, businessman
Juan I. "Isaias" Torres, age 77, of Lorain, died on Monday, May 10, 2004 at New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph, Lorain, following a brief illness.
Born on July 6, 1926 in Lares, Puerto Rico, he has lived in this area since 1949. He was employed at the Brook Park Ford Motor Plant for 17 years, retiring in 1973. Prior to this he was employed at Lake Terminal in the Shipping Yard in Lorain. He was a member of Sacred Heart Chapel, Lorain and the Cursillo Movement of the church. He was a businessman and entrepreneur, owning a grocery store, formerly located near 34th Street and Vine Ave., and then owned the former Sinclair Gasoline Station at Pearl and 29th Street. Juan also had owned the "Double 00" Coffee shop at Oakwood Plaza.
He was active with the neighborhood center in Lorain, which is a family community center. He was a past- president of the parent teachers association at Lincoln Elementary School. He was formerly very active with the Democratic Party, here in Lorain. Juan enjoyed being one of the first Hispanic DJ's in Lorain and Elyria for a number of years.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years: Epifania "Tania" (nee Ojeda) Torres, son: Jesus Torres of Lorain and daughter: Norma Garcia of Elyria, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren, sisters: Gloria of Miami, FL and Irma Acevedo, of Carolina, Puerto Rico, two brothers: Tydin Torres of San Juan, PR and Ito Torres of Carolina, PR. He is preceded in death by his parents: Jose Alejo Torres - Robles and Juana Manuela Ramirez- Perez, 1 grandson: Matthew Torres in infancy.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 13, 2004 from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at 11:00 a.m. in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Ave., Lorain. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.