Joseph Jean Torre, Jr.

Joseph Jean Torre, Jr., son of the late Joseph Jean Torre and Ida Riordan Torre, passed away on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at home in the care of his devoted wife of over 50 years, Madeleine Sophie Lapeyre Torre also known as "Puddie." With her he raised three loving daughters, Amelie (Roger Davenport of Metairie, LA), Elise (George Carner of Newburyport, MA), and Adele (Christopher Fell of Pensacola, FL). He is also survived by ten cherished grandchildren.

Jean graduated from De La Salle High School in 1955 and from Loyola University in 1959 with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry. He served at Fort Benning in Georgia, an experience he often referred to when describing physical toil. As a young man he developed a passion for photography, and combined that interest with his science skills during the years he worked for Valite Corporation in film processing research. He returned to chemistry after stints in insurance and real estate, eventually retiring from Gulf Engineering in 2010.

Jean was an avid golfer, and a proud member of the "Dawn Patrol" at the New Orleans Country Club. An only child, Jean's in-laws, friends, and neighbors were like family to him. He adored spending time on the porches, stoops, and backyards along Octavia Street, often singing "Hi, Neighbor!", and always with a joke or story ready to share. He had a contagious laugh and loved sharing laughter with others. As a true New Orleanian, he had a great love of Mardi Gras and would go up and down parade routes on his bike, greeting everyone he knew. He was a member of GOSHPA, the ‘Greater Octavia Street Husbands’ Protection Association,' a long-standing neighborhood tradition. When alone, he could be found enjoying his dark room, where he developed photos of his growing daughters and the parties he attended, tinkering with his prized Mercedes convertible while donning a lab coat, or continuing his lifelong love for learning by reading at Loyola library. He loved to dance, especially the "Monkey's Walk" and had an eclectic music collection including everything from Frankie Valli to Giuseppe Verdi. He was a loyal, lifelong parishioner of Holy Name of Jesus Church, and in later years he greatly enjoyed the beautiful music and atmosphere at St. Patrick’s Church as well.

Although he suffered from memory loss for several years, Puddie's patient and loving care and Amelie's support enabled him to continue living at home. Special thanks go to Lakeside Hospice Service for their kind attentions over the past year.

A wake will be held for Jean at Lake Lawn Funeral Home in Metairie on Friday, February 11th from 5:00-8:00 PM. His Funeral Mass will be at St. Patrick's Church on Camp Street on Saturday, February 12th beginning at 10:00 AM. Visitation will precede and begin at 9:30 AM.