FORMER Senator and Representative Juan S. Torres passed away at the Commonwealth Health Center on Sunday, June 22, 2025. He was 79.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Mount Carmel Cathedral. Public services will begin with the traditional responso in the church at 8 a.m., followed by the rosary and culminating in the Eucharistic Celebration of New Life, presided over by Pale James Balajadia at 10 a.m.
Torres is survived by his grandchildren and children: Frances, Timothy John, Carla, William Albert, Jay, Michael, Charlotte, and Howard; their spouses; and his wife, Janet.
During his lifetime, Torres was among the first students enrolled at Mount Carmel Catholic School in 1953 — the first private school on Saipan to rise from the ruins of the Pacific War.
Among his classmates were former Saipan Senator Juan “Morgen” Tenorio; former Governor Benigno R. Fitial; business entrepreneur Jesus “Pan” Guerrero; Juan Camacho, brother of the late Bishop Thomas Camacho; current Saipan Municipal Council Chairwoman Marian DLG Tudela; former Public School System Curriculum Director Ana Larson; retired Curriculum Specialist Connie Kaufer; and former entrepreneur Ignacia “Grace” Guerrero, sister of the late Governor Larry Guerrero.
After graduating with a high school diploma from Mount Carmel School, Torres left the island to attend college in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1970, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Upon returning to Saipan, he was recruited by Bank of America as a management intern. He was soon promoted to bank officer and then assistant bank manager at the Saipan branch, a role he held until 1979.
He also briefly worked for the U.S. Office of Economic Opportunity.
In the early 1990s, following 10-years as an elected member of the CNMI House of Representatives and Senate, Torres assumed leadership roles at Bank of Saipan, serving as vice president/general manager and later as president.
Even while working full-time in banking, he discovered a passion for farming. What began as a backyard hobby grew into a commercial venture in Kagman, where he cultivated fruits and vegetables and operated a large-scale egg production business.
Torres believed backyard farming had great potential to contribute to sustainable food production. For him, growing fruits and vegetables — whether as a hobby or business — promoted healthy eating habits, supported a balanced diet, and served as a therapeutic de-stressor.
In addition to farming, he was an avid golfer. His regular golf partners included Marianas Variety publisher Abed Younis, Tun Manet Kiyu Villagomez, Governor Pete Tenorio, Tatan Jose Nieves, and other local and visiting golfers. He also participated in tournaments such as the Maruzen PGA Cup and the Northwest Airlines Invitational.
Torres not only served in elective office for 10 years in the CNMI Legislature, but also chaired the Marianas Public Land Trust for 12 years. During that time, he also served as administrator of the Retirement Fund and held a position at the Land Registration Office under the Department of Lands and Natural Resources.
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, 3rd left, with Sen. Juan S. Torres, 2nd right, and visitors to Saipan.
Sen. Juan S. Torres, left, with Tun Manet Kiyu Villagomez, 2nd left, and off-island guests.
Sen. Juan S. Torres, left, was an avid golfer.
