WATSONVILLE—David Toriumi, who ran his eponymous auto repair shop in Watsonville for nearly four decades–starting in a one-bay shop behind his home before expanding to the garage at 38 Menker St.—and who coached generations of young people after discovering an affinity for sports at a young age, died unexpectedly on Jan. 1. He was 66.
Toriumi was known as a skilled mechanic who treated his customers with fairness and who considered their financial situation when giving repair estimates, says his son, also named David.
“He did it with a smile,” he said. “The number one thing was that he cared about his customers. Because we’re all kind of like a family here in Watsonville.”
The younger Toriumi has been helping in the shop since he was 12. He now plans to take over the business, and says his father was set to retire in the coming year.
“I just plan to keep it going,” he says. “That’s the best I can do.”
Born and raised in Watsonville, the elder Toriumi attended H.A. Hyde Elementary and E.A. Hall Middle School, and was known as an academically strong student.
After working in several shops and becoming a Master Technician through the Automotive Service Excellence program, he returned to Watsonville to open Toriumi Auto Repair.
Toriumi serviced all seven Watsonville High School vans, providing free safety checks.
Toriumi played on the city’s first Pop Warner team in 1968. He served in several capacities for Watsonville Youth Football from 1993 until 2005.
Toriumi served as coach for the freshman and junior varsity football teams at St. Francis Central Coast Catholic High School, and North Monterey County High School.
He sponsored the Watsonville High School Alumni Golf Tournament and the Corralitos Padres Gold Tournament. He also helped with the WHS Sober Grad Nite.
What an excellent example for our community. Sorry for your loss, keep is legacy going!
Best mechanic and full of life. Made fixing a car problem a pleasure. He will be greatly missed in our community. RIP David.