de la TORRE, JUAN MANUEL

87, of Phoenix passed away at home on 5-5-2010 surrounded by his loving wife of 68 years, Mary Louise and his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Juan was born in San Antonio TX on 9-27-1922. Juan married Mary Louise Morales on 11-26-1942 in El Paso TX. He served in the 1st Cavalry Div during WWII as a Reconnaissance Scout. He headed the troops to get information on location, strength and type of unit of the enemy. The “Old Soldier” was proud of his service in the US Army under Gen. Gouglas MacArthur. Battles and campaigns included New Guinea, Admiralty Islands and Leyte in the Philippine Islands where he was wounded in action on 10-22-1944. Juan ws awarded the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Defense Service Ribbon and Combat Infantry Badge. lHe was the Golden Gloves Lightweight Champion of the 1st Cavalry, El Paso District. Juan and his wife Mary founded Precision Auto Parts in 1954. Today, it is a family run Auto lRecycling business in Phx. Juan is survived by his wife Mary Louise; Children Rebecca D (Jim) Ponte, Robert Michael (Therese)de la Torre, Yvonne de la Torre (Miguel) Montiel, John Manuel (Olivia) de la Torre II, Estrellita Louise (Carol) de la Torre, grandchildren: James (Liberty) Ponte, Yvette (Dave) Ponte, Dolores de la Torre (Albert) Urbieta, Therese de la Torre, Gloria de la Torre, Luisa de la Torre (Vicente) Mejia, R. Michael de la Torre; Aida Montiel (Mathew) Jaramilla, Maritza Montiel (Camilo) Tafur; Ariana de la Torre (Nick) Vieron, Johnny de la Torre. great grandchildren: Tristan & Keegan Ponte; Albert, Lucero, Sammy and Marco Urbieta; Julian Mejia; Lea Jaramilla. He is also survived by his brother, Miguel A. de la Torre and nieces and nephews, Adela, Robert, Rosario, Maria, Rudy and Roberta. He was preceded in death by his brother Robert de la Torre. “The Chamos” favorite quotes were, “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”. Also, instead of Goodbye, “Hasta Luego”. Until we meet again, we will miss our Old Soldier. The family requests that in lieu of flowers tax exempt donations be made to OperationFreedomBird.com an organization that helps veterans heal. Visitation will be held 5:00-8:00pm, with a Rosary at 7:00pm, Wed., May 26, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd. Funeral Mass will be hald at 9:00am, Sat., June 5, at St. Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. 3rd St., Phx. Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery with Military Honors.

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