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HJ 485

Celebrating the life of Rafael Torrech III.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Barry Knight and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia General Assembly honors Rafael Torrech III with a ceremonial memorial resolution and orders a copy presented to his family.

Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ485ER)
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Bill Summary · HJ 485

Summary of House Joint Resolution No. 485 (HJ485ER)

Overview

HJ485ER is a ceremonial resolution in the Virginia General Assembly celebrating the life and contributions of Rafael Torrech III of Virginia Beach. The measure expresses the General Assembly’s respect and sorrow at his passing and authorizes the preparation of a commemorative copy for his family. It is an enlisted memorial resolution, with no impact on statute or state policy.

Purpose and Intent

  • To honor Rafael Torrech III for his service to country, industry, and community.
  • To publicly recognize his roles as a veteran, business leader, philanthropist, and faith community member.
  • To provide the Clerk of the House with a copy of the resolution for presentation to his family.

Key Provisions

  • The resolution notes Torrech’s death on November 9, 2024, and summarizes his life and work.
  • It highlights:
    • Military service in the United States Marine Corps.
    • Thirty-five years of employment with Norfolk Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Corporation.
    • Founding Técnico Corporation, an employee-owned ship repair services provider.
    • Community involvement, including support for charitable organizations and the Cancer Care Foundation of Tidewater.
    • Voluntary involvement with First Baptist Church Norfolk, including singing in the choir.
    • His long marriage to Patsy (71 years) and his children Michael, Larry, and Vicky.
  • The core action: “Be it resolved” that the General Assembly notes the loss with great sadness and requests the Clerk to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to his family.

Who Is Affected

  • Rafael Torrech III and his immediate family.
  • The Virginia Beach community and the broader Hampton Roads maritime/industrial sectors that recognize his leadership in ship repair services.
  • The General Assembly, as the adopting body of the memorial resolution.

Background on Rafael Torrech III (as described in the bill)

  • Born in Brooklyn, New York; spent much of youth in Puerto Rico; US resident from age 12.
  • Marine Corps veteran; long-time defense-industry professional.
  • Leader in ship repair support services through Norfolk-area firms and his own company, Técnico Corporation.
  • Active in charitable and faith-based activities, including Cancer Care Foundation of Tidewater and First Baptist Church Norfolk.
  • Survived by his wife and children and extended family.

Procedural History and Timeline

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025.
  • House engrossed and agreed to: January 20, 2025.
  • Senate agreed to: January 23, 2025.
  • Enrolled version (HJ485ER) and bill text as passed House and Senate: March 12, 2025.
  • Patrons: Delegates Leftwich and Knight.

Impact and Fiscal Note

  • This is a ceremonial, nonbinding resolution. It does not create, modify, or fund state programs, nor impose any fiscal obligations.

Citation

  • Officially titled: House Joint Resolution No. 485 (HJ485ER), Celebrating the life of Rafael Torrech III.
  • Enrolled version: HJ485ER, 2025 Session.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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