Torres, Steve S.

Steve S. Torres, prominent New Mexican, leaves a special legacy.

Mr. Torres , age

81, passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2017. He was born on January 23, 1936 in Socorro, NM.

He is survived by special friend, Mary C. Fernandez; by his three children, Steve A. Torres and wife, Bernida Gallegos, Paula K. Torres and companion, Johnnie Trujillo, and Leslie Torres; grandchildren, Brandon Torres, Leyla Munden, Madisen Munden, Sean Munden, Gavin Torres, Joseph Torres, Johnnie Taylor Trujillo, Joleena Heras Quezada and husband Silvano Heras Quezada, and Anthony Rey Sanchez; great grandchildren, Silvano Alfredo Quezada, Joel Partridge III, and Sylas Rubia Quezada; sister-in-law, Mary Torres of Socorro. Also surviving are three aunts, and many nephews and nieces and their families.

He was preceded in death by his father, Estevan Torres; his mother, Petrita Luna Torres; his daughter, Mary Margaret Torres; his sister Virginia Smallridge; brother-in law Nicholas Smallridge and his brother, Lawrence Torres.

Steve was especially proud of his heritage. His father’s family and his mother’s family have been in New Mexico for over 14 generations and her had traced his ancestry back to 14th Century Spain. Steve attended Mount Carmel Elementary School and graduated from Socorro High School in 1954. He then left for Seattle, WA where he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1958. While at the University of Washington, he was affiliated with Gamma Mu Chapter of Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity. He returned to New Mexico and almost immediately began his career as a Public Servant. He also earned a Master’s degree from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT in 1972. From 1965 until his retirement in 2015, he was a successful businessman, owning a variety of businesses and real estate interests and serving as a Broker, Appraiser and Consultant in Commercial Real Estate (American Property Consultants and Appraisers -25 years). He was a member of various civic organization in Socorro County from 1960-1980 including Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, Socorro County Historical Society and Socorro Golf Association. Steve was extremely active in the Republican Party serving in the State Legislature representing Socorro County from 1963 to 1965. He was appointed to the Board of Regents at New Mexico Tech, a position he held for 30 years (the longest serving Regent in New Mexico history). He was first appointed to the New Mexico Tech Board of Regents in 1966 by Governor David C. Cargo, and was reappointed four times by four succeeding governors. His public service includes 15 years as a member of the Board of Directors of the New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation. Steve served on various task forces in New Mexico serving under four governors. He participated in studies and development of long-range goal for higher education in New Mexico from 1966-1996. from 1970-1971 he was a member of the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education task force on Mental Health Services and the changing University Community. In 1979, Steve was a delegate from New Mexico to the White House Conference on libraries and Information Services. He was a member of the National Association of Governing Boards from 1990-1996 and a member of the Albuquerque Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In 1995 he was the New Mexico Distinguished Public Service Award recipient in the State Government and University Category. On May 17, 2008, Steve received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Management from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. On September 26, 2013, a new Residence Hall at New Mexico Tech was named the Steve S. Torres Residence Hall in his honor. During his public service of over 40 years, mostly in higher education, his energies were focused in developing justice, equality and opportunities for all college students. He could be strong, fiery, and firm when dealing with principles, but he could also be fair and soft-spoken. He was known for his bright green eyes, great smile and big heart. Steve leaves behind important lessons to be learned: To be kind to one another; to live each day with purpose and joy; and to follow the quiet example of his life. Above all his faith in God could not be questioned and he leaves behind beautiful memories.

The Holy Rosary will be recited on Monday, July 24, 2017 at 8:30 am at San Miguel Catholic Church, 403 El Camino Real, Socorro, NM 87801. Following will be the celebration of the Mass of the Resurrection at San Miguel with Father John Anasiudu as Celebrant. Interment will follow at San Miguel Cemetery. Pallbearers are Larry Torres, Richard C. Torres, Randy Torres, Shane LeMon, Mario DelCurto, and Mark Rudolph. Honorary Pallbearers are Joseph Torres, Gavin Torres, Sean Munden, Silvano Heras Quezada, Clint Martin, and Brandon Torres. The family would like to thank the staff of Presbyterian Socorro General Hospital Homecare and Hospice for their loving care. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to San Miguel Church or dedicate a mass for Steve S. Torres. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Steve’s care has been

entrusted to Daniels Family Funeral

Services

309 Garfield St Socorro, NM 87801

575-835-1530