Jose Guerrero Torrez

Joe Torrez, 60, of Santa Maria, California, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 8, 2021, at the UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. Joe had been quietly battling a terminal lung illness that was complicated by Covid exposure. Joe was born in La Junta, Colorado to Mike and Rosa Torrez in February 1960 before relocating to Lompoc, California in 1985.

Joe was the Housekeeping Supervisor at the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center in La Junta, Colorado prior to relocating to California. Joe went onto a successful 26-year career with the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons at the United States Penitentiary in Lompoc, California and retired as Laundry Plant Manager in April of 2015. During his career, Joe had the honor of being a member of specialized teams, including a being certified California Hostage Negotiator. After retirement, Joe worked part-time at Home Depot in Santa Maria, California which led him to volunteer to help seniors with home repairs.

Joe has been an active volunteer in the community, including youth soccer coach, Advancement Chairman for the Boy Scouts of America and assisting fundraising efforts for various Veteran organizations. As an active 17-year member of the Santa Maria Elk’s Lodge #1538, Joe has been part of various groups and teams within the Lodge including Bingo Kitchen leader and Chairman of the RV Corral Camping at the Rodeo. Joe and his wife Darlene lived life to the fullest, enjoying RV travel, attending festivals, BBQ’s, cruising the ports of the world or just taking a drive out of town for a bite to eat. You can’t describe Joe without mentioning his love of sports, both in playing them and watching them. For many, he was better known as “Bronco Joe” for his dedication to the Denver Broncos NFL team.

Joe was a private man but to those who knew him, he brought energy to any room, he was a mentor, a friend, a counselor, a brother, uncle and co-worker; an amazing man who cared about everyone. He was always available to lend and ear and gave the best advice. His sudden passing is an enormous loss to family and friends.

Joe is survived by his loving wife and partner of 18-years Darlene; his son Matthew Torrez (Carol) of Las Animas, CO; Travis Hill (Cassy) of Colorado Springs, CO; grandson Matthew Torrez (Zoiee) of Pueblo, CO; great-granddaughters Averi Torrez and Esmay Torrez of Pueblo, CO; siblings Catalina (James) of Plano, TX; Alvin Torrez of La Junta, CO; Blas Torrez (Tammy) of Hugo, CO; Ledia (Mike, decsd 2020) Ayala of Leoti, KS.; extended family Audreano and Jacob Romero of Pueblo, CO and Iliasz Vasquez of Las Animas, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents Mike Torrez (2013) and Rosa Guerrero Torrez (1992); brother’s Eddie Torrez (2010), Gilbert Torrez (2019), Tim Torrez (2020), and Pedro Torrez (2020).

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

The family extends its gratitude to the staff at Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, California and UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, Los Angeles, California for their care of Joe during his final days, especially in these trying Covid times.

Joe is firm in his request of no public funeral service that would have his family gathering during these troubled Covid times. As such, a Celebration of Life will be scheduled in both Colorado and California once the Covid epidemic has resolved.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.