Leonard Christopher Torres Jr.

Leonard Christopher Torres Jr., age 89 of Plantation, Florida, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on April 7, 2017. Leonard was born in New York, New York to Leonides and Eloisa Torres on March 27, 1928. He served in the United States Army and married his high school sweetheart, Rosary, in 1949. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Hunter College in 1952 in New York City and worked in the fields of science and computer engineering. In 1976, he formed his own company, Arctic Auto Air, Inc. As an entrepreneur, he treated his employees as family and his customers with honesty.  In 1981, he founded the Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide and received numerous awards from the automotive industry. In 1996, the EPA recognized his company as the nation's leader in low cost auto air conditioning retrofits, the process still used today throughout the automotive industry. Len was one of the first in Broward County to gear up to the cellular industry and in the mid-eighties, forming Arctic Communications. Always the consumer advocate, he went before the Florida Legislature to fight for lower rates among the carriers. In 2004, Len formed The Committee to Bring Jesus Back to Christmas to fight the “War on Christmas.” Through his political activism, five major malls agreed to display Nativity Scenes through the Christmas season and continue to do so. In 2006, he received the Salt and Light award from Dr. James Kennedy of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church at the Center for Reclaiming America; and in 2011, he received from Archbishop Wenski of Miami, the prestigious Archdiocesan Medal, “First the Kingdom of God.” Both awards were given in recognizing Len's efforts in combating an unhealthy secularism and bringing the Christian Faith back to the Public Square. Len has been a member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church for 47 years and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. His interests included reading three newspapers a day, politics and his faith. He enjoyed his home in the Florida Keys, boating and fishing. He had a talent for woodwork and was exceptional at designing and making furniture. Len is preceded in death by his father, Leonides, and his mother, Eloisa; his brother Ralph and sister in-laws, Sally and Theresa. His full and rich life will be forever cherished by his beloved wife of 68 years, Rosary; his children: twins Christine and Cynthia, Celeste (Ron) and Lee; his sister, Amelia, his nephews, Clifford, Craig and Bob; his niece, Elizabeth; his grandchildren: Anthony, Kristene, Erik and Alec, and his great grandchildren: Lawrence and Eloisa. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Paulette Olibrice, Len's caregiver, and Trustbridge Hospice for their excellent care. Visitation will be held at T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home, 7001 NW 4th St., on Tuesday, April 11, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 100 N. University Drive, Plantation, FL, on Wednesday, April 12, at 1:00 p.m. with Father Michael Hoyer officiating. Burial to follow at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery.