* Richard J. Torres; Ojai Softball Coach

Richard Joseph Torres, a popular softball coach and lifelong Ojai resident, died Sunday after a lengthy battle with diabetes, kidney and heart disease. He was 57.

Torres was born in Ventura on May 29, 1941. He worked for the U.S. Forestry Service as a crew leader for five years.

“He . . . would do anything for his family,” said Gloria Tumamait, who was married to Torres for 26 years.

She described him as very active in softball. “He loved the game,” she said. In addition to coaching his sons’ softball teams, Torres coached a softball team for women at the Ojai Recreation Center.

Torres served as president of the annual Ojai/Coors Labor Day Softball Tournament and was manager for the Ojai Bad Boys Softball Club.

In addition to Tumamait, Torres is survived by his mother, Dolores, of Ojai; sons Thomas and James, both of Ojai, Rudy and Eddie, both of Ventura, and eight grandchildren.

The Rev. Bill Olivas, Torres’ uncle, will say a memorial Mass at 9 a.m. Friday at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

Joseph Reardon Funeral Home in Ventura is handling arrangements.