José Rafael Perez Torres

José Rafael Perez Torres, born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and a longtime resident of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, passed away on August 8th, 2026 leaving behind a family who loved him deeply.

José carried Ponce with him always, in his music, his spirit, and his pride in where he came from. He enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, and anyone who knew him knew two things would always make him smile: a plate with plenty of bacon and the sound of old school reggaeton turned up loud.

He was a man who stayed in motion. He was happiest with a fishing rod in his hands, loved working out and playing basketball and other sports, and could always be found at the park. That energy was part of who he was, and it’s how many will picture him still.

Few bonds ran deeper than the one he shared with his twin brother, Rafaél who passed before him. The family finds comfort in knowing they are together again.

José’s life had its struggles, and he faced battles that weighed on him and those who loved him. But when he was truly himself, he had wisdom to offer, and that wisdom was rooted in his faith in God. Over the years he wrote letters to his sons, and those words, along with the advice he gave inhis clearest moments, will stay with his family always.

He leaves behind his two sons, Janiel I. Perez-Colon and Jarett J. Perez-Colon; the mother of his children, Teresa Colon; his mother, Mirna Torres Renta; and his brothers, Josean Echevarria and Angel Echevarria. He will be missed dearly.

Family and friends are invited to join in saying goodbye to a loving father and friend on September 4th at 1:00 PM at Forest Hill Cemetery, 115 Mt. Elam Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420.

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