PATERSON — Samuel Torres Sr., a retired Paterson police officer and former city school board member, died on Sunday in the Dominican Republic. He was 75.
Torres was the person who encouraged his kid brother, Jose “Joey” Torres, to get involved in politics in Paterson.
The former mayor recalled his older brother approaching him about running for office when a council seat became open.
“He said, ‘Listen, you’re popular, I bet you can win,’’’ Joey Torres recounted. “Sammy saw the best in everyone,” the former mayor added, describing the confidence his brother had in people.
Born in Puerto Rico, Samuel Torres was one of eight siblings who migrated to Paterson in 1953. Their family grew up in Paterson’s Christopher Columbus public housing complex. Samuel graduated from John F. Kennedy High School, and obtained a criminal justice degree from William Paterson University.
He served in the United States Navy, including 11 months aboard the USS Boston during the Vietnam war.
Samuel Torres at the christening for one of his sons in 1996.
After the military, Torres joined the Paterson police department in 1973. His older brother, John Torres, already was a member of the department. John Torres said his sibling worked in the police department’s vice unit and handled homicide investigations, including arresting the killers in a high-profile case involving the murder of a young boy near railroad tracks many decades ago.
“He was a great cop,” said the older brother. “He wanted to do the job right.”
Had once supervised current officer in charge
Among the officers Samuel Torres supervised was Pat Murray, the current Officer in Charge of the police department.
“I worked for him on patrol,” Murray said. “He was someone who was always fair and you could look to him for advice.”
Samuel Torres retired as a lieutenant in 1999, after 27 years on the force. During his time as a police officer, Torres helped found the Passaic County Hispanic Law Enforcement Association, which provided Latinos with assistance in their law enforcement careers.
While a police officer, Torres also served on the Paterson Board of Education and the city’s rent leveling board. He owned several liquor stores and started the Paterson Bar and Liquor Store Association.
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His five children said he was known as a true man of the people and a reliable helping hand, cherished for his big heart and dedication for serving the people and the city he loved and called home.
Torres married twice, first to Louise in 1971, with whom he lived in Jefferson, with their two daughters. He was a volunteer coach for his girls’ softball and basketball teams. Later, he married Lourdes in 1995, and lived with her in North Haledon, with their three sons.
His children said that after retirement, Torres “embraced life to the fullest.” He found joy in the warmer weather of Florida, tending to his vibrant plants, and vacationing in the Dominican Republic, according to his offspring.
Torres found immense pride and fulfillment in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, according to family members. As a first-generation college graduate, he prioritized education and made sure his children attended college.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lourdes; his daughters, Lisa and Lori; his sons, Manuel, Samuel Jr., and Joey; his five cherished grandchildren, Maya, Eva, Jaxson, Hannah, and Sammy III; and seven siblings, Gladys, John, Geraldo, Mary, Ida, and Jose. He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Catalina, and his sister, Estella.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Samuel Torres Sr., Paterson NJ officer and school board member, dies