Javier Toruño

Javier Toruño, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, professor, and friend, passed away suddenly on August 14, 2026, just four days shy of his 90th birthday. He passed while doing something he loved—walking with a friend. Javier was born on August 18, 1936, in Costa Rica. His childhood was one of determination and perseverance, experiences that shaped the remarkable man he would become. At the age of 12, Javier had to leave his family during the week so that he could attend high school, living with another family and returning home on weekends. Those early experiences instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for education, hard work, family, and the importance of making the most of every opportunity. Javier came to the United States in 1966 and began his new life working as a janitor. Through dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to learning, he worked his way up, eventually becoming a professor at City College of San Francisco, where he taught for more than 35 years. He became the first Latin professor at City College, leaving a lasting legacy through his teaching and his commitment to education. Javier was a caring and devoted family man. He was always there for those he loved and was especially attentive to his wife, Marcia, whom he met in the early 1960s when she was in Costa Rica as a member of the Peace Corps. Their life together was built on love, family, and shared experiences. Marcia preceded him in death in 2025, as did their son, Miguel Toruño, in 2018. Javier had a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid walker, loved his tea, enjoyed traveling, and was always learning and reading. He took great pride in passing along the life lessons, stories, and traditions of his childhood to his children and grandchildren. His remarkable journey—from a young boy in Costa Rica who traveled each week to attend high school, to an immigrant who began his American life as a janitor, and ultimately became a respected college professor—is a testament to his strength, determination, intelligence, and character. He is survived by his daughters, Gabriela Toruño, Patricia Eske and her daughter Journey; his son, Rodolfo Toruno and his wife Jenny; and their children Alessio, Andes and his wife Nikole. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Inez, Leonor, and Alcides. He will also be remembered by many extended family members, friends, former students, and all those whose lives he touched throughout his remarkable 90 years. Javier was a good soul whose kindness, wisdom, humor, and devotion to his family will be deeply missed. His life was a remarkable story of perseverance, love, education, and service. He leaves behind not only cherished memories, but also the lessons and traditions he so lovingly passed on to the generations who followed him. Rosary/Vigil 6-7pm on Wednesday, August 25, Passalacqua Funeral Chapel in Benicia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 26th at St. Dominic’s Church in Benicia, followed by burial at St. Dominic Cemetery. Guests will then gather at the Union Hotel Restaurant for a reception at 401 1st St., Benicia *Both services will be live streamed: Vigil~ Link to come Funeral~ Toruno Funeral (https://youtube.com/live/30Uk9XfF0K0)

Javier Toruño

August 18, 1936 - August 14, 2026