Jesse Torres Lopez

Jesse was born on Oct. 28, 1925 from the union of Jesse and Maria Lopez. Two weeks before his birth his father passed away which resulted in the relocation by his mother to Santa Paula, CA. Where he, his mother and sister Felica resided at his uncle’s dairy farm.

Upon the remarriage of his mother his family then moved to the Roy Wilson Ranch in Santa Paula where his stepfather was employed. Jesse often talked fondly of the years he spent living on the ranch and the friendship he made with Roy Jr. and George Wilson.

Due to the untimely death of his stepfather, Jesse’s mother then moved her family to a home she purchased in Santa Paula.

Jesse attended both elementary and high school in the Santa Paula School District and in February 1944 was drafted into the U.S. Navy. While in the navy Jesse served aboard U.S. aircraft carriers Admiralty Islands and Munda in the pacific theater of the war. Jesse participated in the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa which earned him two battle stars along with other medals. He was honorable discharged from the Navy in Feb. 1946.

Back home from the war Jesse resumed his career in the grocery industry and in 1955 acquired a position at Garden Market under the direction of Mich and Helen Yamamoto.

Jesse married his lifelong sweetheart, Vena Starr on July 17, 1948 which resulted in 57 years of marriage and produced two sons, Joe and Perry.

Jesse’s love and priority was always his family. He was always willing to take his family on various outings including numerous trips to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Sea World and many other attractions.

Jesse was preceded in death by his wife Vena, his father, mother, stepfather and sister.

Jess will be greatly missed by the ones he leaves behind, sons Joe (Anna), Perry and grandchildren Joanna, Nicholas and Joey, many other relatives and friends. In Lieu of flowers please make a donation to your local hospice or charity of choice.

A rosary will be recited November 5, 2014 at 7:00pm at Funeraria Del Angel Stetler's Mortuary 128 S. 8th Street, Santa Paula, CA. Funeral Mass will be November 6, 2014 at 10:30am at St. Sebastian's Catholic Church 235 N. 9th Street, Santa Paula, CA, Burial at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery 380 Cemetery Road, Santa Paula. Services entrusted to Funeraria Del Angel Stetler's Mortuary. 805-525-5595. www.funerariadelangelsp.com.