Henry Torres

Henry David Torres, 78

Born October 23rd, 1946 to Dave and Stephanie Torres in the South Valley of Albuquerque, and passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones on May 8th, 2025. Henry was a beloved husband, son, father, brother, and grandfather.

As a young boy, Henry built a relationship with the Lord as a devout Catholic praying novenas to Saint Jude and learning to read his Bible. Henry was a natural leader in his community and was well respected by everyone and was also a good older brother to his younger siblings. He was a great artist and continued his passion of drawing and painting well into adulthood. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. Henry loved fast cars and was well-known for his 1969 Chevelle SS which could be heard from blocks away since he always listened to his music loud and proud.

Henry applied his natural leadership skills as a Specialist in the United States Army, where he was drafted and honorably served as an Artillery Surveyor in the 1st Cavalry Division, 2nd Battalion, 19th Field Artillery from November of 1968 to July of 1970 serving the majority of his time in combat in the Vietnam War. During his time at war, Henry's efforts secured hostile landing zones fighting off the North Vietnamese artillery and helped stopped the enemy's advance. Henry was instrumental in his unit's Meritorious Unit Commendation for heroic efforts in support of Operations JEB STUART, DELAWARE/LAM SON 216, JEB STUART III, and TOAN THANG II. Henry's valiant efforts in combat earned him the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the prestigious Air Medal.

After Henry left the service, he met the love of his life, Patty, when she interned at the New Mexico Department of Labor, and married her in August of 1971. They had a beautiful little girl, Alesia, five years later, and Henry loved being a daddy. There wasn't anything that Henry wouldn't do for his family and he took his job as a husband with great pride, serving Patty every day in love for more than 31 years until her passing in 2002. Other notable life events Henry celebrated were giving his daughter away in marriage and proudly walking her down the aisle. Becoming a grandfather, and watching his daughter step into the role of motherhood filled his heart to overflowing.

Henry served as a Bureau Chief for the New Mexico Department of Labor for *32* years, and was a servant leader. He was well loved by those under his supervision and his fellow leaders, and made positive lasting change for the state's expansive labor system.

Henry is survived by his daughter, Alesia Torres (Joey) and grandson, Jace of Albuquerque. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patty Torres (Patsy). Henry is also survived by his sister, Marie Sanchez (Joe); brother, David Torres (Sylvia); brother, Jake Torres (Dolores); sister, Jean Montoya (Dennis); brother, Robert Torres (Rosella), and 11 nieces and nephews. Henry's legacy will live on through his family and in the lives of those he touched. He will be deeply missed by those he left behind.

A visitation for Henry will be held Tuesday, May 20th beginning at 5:00 pm, with Eulogy and Remembrances to begin at 6:00 pm at FRENCH-Wyoming. A mass for Henry will be said at Risen Savior Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 21 at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at 1:00 PM at Santa Fe National Cemetery where military honors will be bestowed.In lieu of flowers, we request a donation to the following organizations: Parkinson's Foundation, Vietnam Veterans of America, or the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.