Eric James Torres

Eric James Torres was born June 19, 1957 to John and Inez Torres in Chicago, IL. Eric received Christ at an early age, first baptized in the Baptist faith November 1, 1969 then converting to Catholicism April 15, 1995.

An avid and lifelong student, Eric attended Edward Jenner and Friedrich von Schiller elementary schools, John Hay U.G.C. middle school, and Prosser and Lane Tech high schools. He decided to further his education, attending Southern at Carbondale and earning multiple degrees: Bachelor's in Liberal Arts, Education, Science, and Psychology. He worked various jobs throughout college but decided being a teacher was his calling. He excelled at a teaching position at Steinmetz High School starting October 1990 until his tenured and well earned retirement in August 2024. Eric enjoyed teaching and often stated he would continue teaching indefinitely if he could. 

Eric, like his dad, spoke his mind eloquently and gave his honest opinions. He remembered historical details as well as other educational and trivia worthy information and wrote it all down, which made all of our family debates enjoyable and engaging, especially between him and his dad. It's one of the things we remember most fondly (and his nieces and nephews have in particular inherited this trait.) 

Eric was a very humble and loving man. He had the air and demeanor of an English Lord. His sense of humor was outrageous, his party side was loud and proud, and he often danced as if no one was watching. He enjoyed living life, he cared deeply for his friends, rabbits, fish, and birds (they were all very spoiled.) Eric loved going to festivals, sightseeing, and exploring. He was devoted to his religion. He read the Bible many many times, memorizing much of it, and could quote everything from memory.

Eric was lifted to the Lord on October 30, 2024 after a valiant battle with cancer. 

Eric was preceded in death by both parents, John and Inez and brothers Robert Earl and Jimmy.

He leaves many loved ones to cherish and pass on his memory. Sister Juliette, brother James; nieces Jillian, Eugenia, Miranda, and Jalisa; nephews Julian, Robert, and Andre; great nieces Alaina, Kennedy, and Sydney; and great nephews Brandon, Kalin, and Quinn; a host of first through sixth generations of family members; innumerable friends, colleagues, and students.

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