Obituary for Benjamin Torres Sr.
Benjamin “Benny” Torres
Beloved husband to Maria Torres (nee Sanchez). Loving father of Benjamin Torres Jr. and John (Marla) Torres. Grandfather of Benjamin III (Kristi), Alexander (Sofie), John Jr., and Maci. Son of the late Eladio Torres and Maria Torres (nee Rosa). Brother of Gregorio, Alejandrina, Efraín (Elba), Hedda Urbaez (Ramon), the late Obdulio (Berania), the late Alipio (Gladys), and the late Heyda Colon. Brother-in-law to Albert Sanchez, Linda Sanchez, the late Elizabeth Grimmie, the late José Sanchez, the late John Grimmie, and the late Michael Sanchez. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
In loving memory of Benjamin "Benny" Torres, who peacefully passed away on April 21, 2024. Benny's journey began on May 14, 1939, in San Sebastián, Puerto Rico. At the age of 17, he left his island home for the bustling streets of Philadelphia, carrying dreams as big as his heart.
Starting out as a pantry stocker at the Warwick Hotel, Benny's passion for food and hospitality ignited. Before long, he became its Executive Chef, crafting culinary delights that graced the plates of revered athletes, entertainers, and socialites throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Among them, Benny's warmth and charm were as distinguished as his dishes, creating a welcoming atmosphere cherished by all who walked through the doors.
His talents didn't go unnoticed. The late Bill Novelli recognized Benny's gift and entrusted him as the inaugural Executive Chef at the Villa di Rieti, an esteemed gem nestled in the heart of South Philadelphia’s Passyunk Avenue. For two decades, Benny poured his heart and soul into the Villa di Rieti, creating memories and flavors that lingered long after the last bite was savored.
But Benny's true legacy lies in the family he built, both in and out of the kitchen. Alongside his son, John, he ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, bringing to life four renowned eateries: La Serena, Eladio's, Cent' Anni, and Predella. Each restaurant bore the imprint of Benny's warmth and passion, creating spaces where every patron felt like family.
Amidst his culinary adventures, Benny remained grounded in love. Cherished within his large family of five brothers and three sisters, Benny epitomized resilience and kindness. Survived by his wife of 61 years (Maria), two sons (Benjamin, John) and four grandchildren (Benjamin, Alex, John, Maci), he enriched their lives with boundless love and laughter.
Though Benny has bid us farewell, his spirit lives on in the laughter shared, the flavors savored, and the love that binds us all. May his memory continue to warm our hearts and inspire us to embrace life's joys with the same gusto and love that Benny brought to every dish he crafted.
Relatives and friends are invited to his VIEWING Friday 7PM-9PM at Monti-Rago Funeral Home 2531-35 South Broad Street Philadelphia PA 19148 and Saturday morning 9AM-10:30AM at Saint Paul's Church 923 Christian Street Philadelphia PA 19147 followed by his funeral mass 11AM (Parking will be available in the CCCS parking lot across the street) . Int. New Saint Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers family request donations be made to Penn Medicine Home Health 3535 Market Street, Ste. 750 Philadelphia PA 19104.
Beloved husband to Maria Torres (nee Sanchez). Loving father of Benjamin Torres Jr. and John (Marla) Torres. Grandfather of Benjamin III (Kristi), Alexander (Sofie), John Jr., and Maci. Son of the late Eladio Torres and Maria Torres (nee Rosa). Brother of Gregorio, Alejandrina, Efraín (Elba), Hedda Urbaez (Ramon), the late Obdulio (Berania), the late Alipio (Gladys), and the late Heyda Colon. Brother-in-law to Albert Sanchez, Linda Sanchez, the late Elizabeth Grimmie, the late José Sanchez, the late John Grimmie, and the late Michael Sanchez. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
In loving memory of Benjamin "Benny" Torres, who peacefully passed away on April 21, 2024. Benny's journey began on May 14, 1939, in San Sebastián, Puerto Rico. At the age of 17, he left his island home for the bustling streets of Philadelphia, carrying dreams as big as his heart.
Starting out as a pantry stocker at the Warwick Hotel, Benny's passion for food and hospitality ignited. Before long, he became its Executive Chef, crafting culinary delights that graced the plates of revered athletes, entertainers, and socialites throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Among them, Benny's warmth and charm were as distinguished as his dishes, creating a welcoming atmosphere cherished by all who walked through the doors.
His talents didn't go unnoticed. The late Bill Novelli recognized Benny's gift and entrusted him as the inaugural Executive Chef at the Villa di Rieti, an esteemed gem nestled in the heart of South Philadelphia’s Passyunk Avenue. For two decades, Benny poured his heart and soul into the Villa di Rieti, creating memories and flavors that lingered long after the last bite was savored.
But Benny's true legacy lies in the family he built, both in and out of the kitchen. Alongside his son, John, he ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, bringing to life four renowned eateries: La Serena, Eladio's, Cent' Anni, and Predella. Each restaurant bore the imprint of Benny's warmth and passion, creating spaces where every patron felt like family.
Amidst his culinary adventures, Benny remained grounded in love. Cherished within his large family of five brothers and three sisters, Benny epitomized resilience and kindness. Survived by his wife of 61 years (Maria), two sons (Benjamin, John) and four grandchildren (Benjamin, Alex, John, Maci), he enriched their lives with boundless love and laughter.
Though Benny has bid us farewell, his spirit lives on in the laughter shared, the flavors savored, and the love that binds us all. May his memory continue to warm our hearts and inspire us to embrace life's joys with the same gusto and love that Benny brought to every dish he crafted.
Relatives and friends are invited to his VIEWING Friday 7PM-9PM at Monti-Rago Funeral Home 2531-35 South Broad Street Philadelphia PA 19148 and Saturday morning 9AM-10:30AM at Saint Paul's Church 923 Christian Street Philadelphia PA 19147 followed by his funeral mass 11AM (Parking will be available in the CCCS parking lot across the street) . Int. New Saint Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers family request donations be made to Penn Medicine Home Health 3535 Market Street, Ste. 750 Philadelphia PA 19104.