Peter Kevin Torres

Peter Kevin Torres, 68, an active, lifelong community member of North Dighton, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023 while under hospice care, surrounded by his loving family.   

Peter was the son of the late Francis and Dorothy (Bleau) Torres and brother of the late Debra Fredericks. He is survived by his sons Brian Torres and wife Daniela Fairchild, and Mark Torres; sister Diane Torres; brother James Torres and partner P. Bryce Avery; grandchildren Norah and Adan Torres; and nephews Christian Fredericks and wife Lydia, Robert Fredericks and wife Terri; nieces Julie Preston and husband Damien, and Lois Medeiros; plus several great nieces and nephews. 

Peter grew up in N. Dighton and graduated from Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, Class of 1972, where he played football and ran cross country and track. He held the school high jump record for years, until it was broken by his own son, Brian. He was known by his classmates as being friendly and mischievous—and his sense of humor stayed with him all his life. When Peter turned eighteen, he joined the Dighton Fire Department, where he worked as a Call Fire Fighter and EMT for over 30 years for the Town of Dighton, rising in rank to Lieutenant, Captain, and Assistant Deputy Chief, and gaining an advanced EMT certification. He won Firefighter of the Year in 1999 from the Taunton Elks Club (#150). Throughout his career, Peter was known for his courage under threatening conditions and responded to scores of fires and life-saving calls—including some for loved ones. 

In the late 1970s, he began working in the maintenance department at Princess House with his grandfather Bill Bleau, where he troubleshot issues throughout the plant. Over time, he earned his Master Electrician certification and was granted a patent for a multi-way circuit tester that ultimately saved a whole product line for the company—and also earned him the Chairman’s You Can Make a Difference Award. After the closure of Princess House, Peter served as the facilities manager of Maxaldan, where he would donate the venue space to be used for public safety and community events, like the Lion’s Club local car shows. He retired after working as the plant electrician for Quad Graphics. He also earned and maintained his real estate salesperson license. 

Peter was dedicated and community-oriented in all that he did, traits he got from his father. Along with his support of the Lion’s Club, he worked with the Dighton Intertribal Indian Council and was a proud member of the Elks Club. The Club recognized him as Elk of the Month many times for the charitable and community service events and fundraisers he coordinated: “Come help me load the truck; there’s a fundraiser,” was a phrase he often said to his two sons. He also served on the Dighton Conservation Board. 

Most of all, Peter cherished the time he spent with family. After a day at work, he would come home to play catch with Brian or tinker on a project with Mark. And the three got together with the extended family every Sunday, either at his sister Deb’s house or at his parents’ house. Peter coached Little League for years—and served as a Cub Scouts pack leader when no one else was available to volunteer. He even maintained an umpire’s license after his boys were grown, filling in when he got the call. Every summer when the kids were young, Peter, Brian, and Mark would spend a few weeks camping and fishing in Plymouth, giving away all their catch. 

Despite all his personal and professional achievements, he was proudest of his boys and delighted in his grandchildren. 

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, June 1st from 4pm to 7pm at Crapo-Hathaway Funeral Home, 350 Somerset Ave. Taunton. His Funeral Home Service will be held on Friday, June 2nd at 10am at Crapo-Hathaway Funeral Home. Committal Services will directly follow at St. Patrick Cemetery, Somerset. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Peter’s name to The Taunton Animal Shelter (attn: Cheryl), 821 West Water Street Taunton, MA 02780. 

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