Luis A. Torres Jr. ’87

Luis died March 30, 2023, of complications from a rare cancer caused by his frequent presence escorting dignitaries to Ground Zero after 9/11.

Proud of his hometown, Brooklyn, and Puerto Rican heritage, Luis spent his youth in church activities and assisting the developmentally disabled. There, he met the love of his life, Barbara.

At Princeton, Luis majored in psychology and the theater and dance program. He joined Tower and managed the Pinball Agency. After earning a law degree at NYU, he served in the NYC government and later worked in government affairs.

An abuse survivor, Luis promoted healing by co-founding Spirit Fire, a Christian Restorative Justice Initiative. He served 20 years on the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Independent Reeview Board. Luis was one of two survivors to address the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2018. Many survivors and families lead better lives because of him.

We remember Luis for boundless generosity, love, and laughter. He helped everyone he could and brought smiles to people’s faces. He gave anyone the shirt off his back — likely a Life is Good T-shirt. He loved to share his boundless enthusiasm.

The class sends condolences to Barbara; daughters Ally, Becca, and Juli; and siblings David and Carmen ’91.