Rudolph "Rudy" Torres

Rudolph “Rudy” Torres, 71, of Santa Paula, California, passed away on September 4, 2026, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, surrounded by the love of the family who meant everything to him.

Rudy grew up in Santa Paula, where his love of sports began at an early age. A gifted all-around athlete, he played baseball, basketball, and football throughout his school years. His talent for football would eventually take him beyond his hometown, playing at Ventura College, UNLV, and on a full ride sports scholarship for the University of Hawaii. Hawaii became much more than a place Rudy went to play football—it became a place he loved and called home for many years.

At 6 feet 4 inches tall, 275 pounds, Rudy may have been an imposing presence, but those who knew him knew he was really a big teddy bear with an even bigger heart. He was a kind and gentle soul, with a laugh that was unmistakable—usually the best and undoubtedly the loudest one in the room. He loved being with family, talking story, laughing, and simply spending time with the people he loved.

Throughout his working years, Rudy held a number of roles that reflected his strong work ethic and his connection to both family and community. His position at BHP’s Hawaii Gas, Iwilei Plant was as CPP (Certified Purchasing Manager) for the entire facility. He previously worked at NTH, Inc. in an executive position for 12 years under the direction of George L. Hughes, President & Owner. Later in life, he found a different kind of purpose as a substitute teacher in and around Santa Paula. He especially loved the time he spent working with students with disabilities, a role that reflected the patience, kindness, and generous heart that came so naturally to him.

Food was another way Rudy stayed connected to family and home. He loved Hawaiian food, but some of his favorite food came from his mother's kitchen and worked hard over the years to recreate her recipes alongside his daughter. Those moments in the kitchen became about much more than getting a recipe just right—they were a way of keeping family traditions, memories, and a little piece of his mother close.

Above everything else, Rudy loved his family. He loved his children profoundly and absolutely adored his grandchildren. He was not a man who left the people he loved wondering how he felt about them. He cared deeply, said it often, and wanted to be there whenever someone needed him. He listened without judgment and had a way of making those he loved know that they could always come to him. To his children, he was Dad—the person who was there, the person who always answered the phone, and the person they knew they could call. He was greatly loved in return and will be remembered as the best dad they could have asked for.

Rudy is survived by his daughter, Noelle Torres, her husband, Michael Thomas, and their children, Zachary, Noa, and Elijah; and his son, Alexander Torres, and his children, Avery and Alika. He is also remembered with love by Rebecca Hughes, the mother of his children and his former wife, whose care and support for Rudy and their family throughout his illness were immeasurable. Rudy's family is also especially grateful to his dear friend, Suzie Yamaguchi, whose friendship, love, and unwavering support became an incredible gift to Rudy and his children throughout his illness. Her presence and the many ways she helped their family during an extraordinarily difficult time will always be remembered with gratitude.

Rudy was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Irene Ortega Torres and Andres Torres, both of whom he loved dearly throughout his life.

Rudy's family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Allied Hospice of Scranton, who cared for him during his final moments with extraordinary kindness, compassion, and dignity. The care they provided

A celebration of Rudy's life will be held in Kailua, Hawaii, with the date to be announced.