2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 485

Celebrating the life of Rafael Torrech III.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 20, 2025

Agreed to by the Senate, January 23, 2025

WHEREAS, Rafael Torrech III of Virginia Beach, a longtime member of the ship repair industry and a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died on November 9, 2024; and

WHEREAS, born in Brooklyn, New York, Rafael “Ralph” Torrech III spent much of his youth in Puerto Rico before returning to the United States at the age of 12; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Torrech served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps and was a proud patriot throughout his life; after his military service, he continued to support national defense as an employee of Norfolk Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Corporation for 35 years; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Torrech subsequently established Técnico Corporation, an employee-owned provider of ship repair support services that has become a recognized leader in the maritime and industrial industries of Hampton Roads; and

WHEREAS, outside of his career, Ralph Torrech supported the community by offering his wise insights to local charitable organizations, and he and his wife, Patsy, played a critical role in the establishment and development of the Cancer Care Foundation of Tidewater; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Torrech enjoyed fellowship and worship with the congregation of First Baptist Church Norfolk, where he sang in the choir and supported worldwide ministry programs; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Torrech will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his beloved wife of 71 years, Patsy; his children Michael, Larry, and Vicky, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Rafael Torrech III, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and a highly admired resident of Virginia Beach; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Rafael Torrech III as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.