Cesar R. de la Torre passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the Sawtelle Family Hospice on Saturday evening. He was 68. Born in Quito, Ecuador, he was the son of the late Cesar and Olga (Lucero) de la Torre. Cesar was raised in Medford and lived here most of his life, before moving to Tewksbury 20 years ago. He served the people of Medford as a member of the Medford Police Department for 33 years, 13 of which he was a Sergeant. Cesar went on to earn his Master’s Degree in criminal justice from Anna Maria College. Cesar was a solid police officer whose perspective on life helped guide many people in the right direction. He was a mentor and trusted friend to many in his department.
A huge New England Patriots fan, Cesar held season’s tickets and even travelled to Super Bowl games around the country. He was a devoted family man and wise counselor to the friends of his children. As his regal name would imply, it was no surprise that he had a blue Harley Road King as his motor cycle. For 30 years, he and Chickie and the rest of their clan vacationed in Aruba, where Cesar was considered a “Mayor” of sorts who got to know so many residents, workers and regular vacationers on the island.
The beloved husband of Louise “Chickie” de la Torre, Cesar was a devoted father to Gary Daddario and his wife Barbara of Hudson, NH, Greg Giordano and his wife Michelle of Saugus, Jay Giordano and his wife Melissa of Revere, Eric Giordano and his wife Jamie of Rowley, Robbie de la Torre and his wife Elizabeth of Dracut. He was a loving “Papa” to Chloe, Reiley, Kendall, Madison, Presley, Rose, Alana, Bella, Jersey, Gus, Sophia, Olga, Felicia and Anthony as well as a loving great-grandfather to JR. The dear brother of Freddy de la Torre and his wife Janet of Burlington and the late Sonia Berti, Cesar is also survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford on Wednesday December 11th from 4 – 8 PM and again on Thursday morning at 10 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in Saint Raphael Church, 512 High Street, Medford at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Cesar's memory by making a contribution for pancreatic cancer research to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.