Reinaldo Torres

Pine Plains, NY - Reinaldo "Ray" Torres, 56, an eighteen year resident of Pine Plains passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, NY.

He was born in Manhattan, NY on January 3, 1955 the son of the late Reinaldo and Elvira (Ortiz) Torres.

In 1974, Ray began 5 years of active military service in the US Navy during which he achieved the rank of Hospital Corpsman Second Class and earned a Good Conduct Award as well as a Humanitarian Service Medal. From 1979 to 1986, Ray served in the US Navy Reserves. Just as his travels and experiences in the military influenced a later love of history, many of the other interests from his early life defined the man he became. Having worked for a local veterinarian as a teenager, Ray's longtime love for animals ensured that many dogs, birds and one very special cat were welcomed into his family over the years. His fondness for music and humor, as demonstrated by a radio show ("The Bob and Ray Show") that he co-hosted while stationed in the Philippines, was just one early indicator of the type of home he would create for his family: one filed with great tunes, laughter and conversation.

Ray continued to build upon his love of cameras and technology during his 28-year tenure in the photography industry, filling his home with beautiful pictures and building his own computers. Always hardworking, ever curious and continually striving to learn more about our world, Ray spent many of his off-hours traveling, camping, canoeing/kayaking, snorkeling and star-gazing. As it was not uncommon for him to fix what others thought unfixable or too costly, his unique problem solving abilities made car repair and home improvement projects seem deceptively simple. Ray was passionate about environmental conservation as well as learning from history in order to make our future better. He was a member of the American Legion, the Adirondack Mountain Club, and he loved watching Yankees baseball with his wife.

Ray never refused a helping hand to a friend in need. Words cannot express how much he will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

On February 24, 1979 in La Crosse, WI he married Pamela J. (Chase) Torres. She survivors at home.

In addition to his loving wife Pamela survivors include a daughter, Jennifer Becht of Secaucus, NJ; a sister, Elvira Riordan of Stanfordville, NY. Although his time with us was far too short, his life was filled with a wealth of experience, accomplishments and interests.

There are no calling hours.

A memorial service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, August 20, at Peck & Peck Funeral Home 7749 South Main St. Pine Plains, NY.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of Flowers memorial contributions are requested to the Hudson Valley Food Bank 195 Hudson St. Cornwall on Hudson, NY 12520.

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