Alberto Martinez

ALBERTO D. MARTINEZ AUGUST 15, 1939 - OCTOBER 22, 2015 Alberto D. Martinez, 76, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, October 22, 2015 after valiantly fighting a longstanding illness. Nicknamed "Champ" as a young child, Alberto bore true to his moniker, as he battled various life threatening illnesses and cancers throughout his later years. He would say that "Dr. God" was on his side as he perplexed and amazed many with his recoveries. Ultimately, Alberto succumbed to complications from his latest illness. Although he was prepared to meet his Lord and Creator, Alberto remained true to his nature until the very end-- he died with guns blazing. Alberto was born and raised in Laredo, Texas and was the son of the late Roque Jacinto and Evelia Martinez who were known for owning the Martinez Glass Shop in the old Azteca neighborhood. As a child, Alberto would race in soap box derby competitions and won various awards and accolades throughout the state and nation. He was a good son besides helping alongside his brothers at the glass shop, Alberto temporarily left high school to care for his wonderful mother, Evelia, during a time of illness. Alberto was very proud to have served four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Canisteo (A0-99) fleet oiler which made and participated in several Mediterranean cruises and the Naval Quarantine of Cuba in October 1962. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Alberto resided in Georgia, Oklahoma, and Alabama where he studied and worked in the area of aircraft mechanics. Alberto eventually made his way back home to Laredo where he worked for Central Power and Light Company for thirty years. It was during this time that he met and married his wife, Maria Cristina, and raised his two daughters, Lucy and Sara. Alberto's family could not have asked for a better provider and protector. His daughters' education was of the utmost importance, and he sacrificed a lot to help them succeed. There are too many things to list in describing how much of a wonderful father and husband he was Alberto was adored by his daughters. He helped them with their science projects, insisted that they knew how to change a tire and jumpstart a car, and most importantly taught them to follow their hearts and to love and honor God. He was a skilled welder and hard workerhe would often be found working outdoors, tinkering on his various projects. Even in his seventies and during times of illness, Alberto remained physically strong and was steadfast in living life to the fullest. Alberto was charming, witty and very tender. He loved traveling, listening to Oldies music, eating sweet bread with coffee, and discussing history. He also loved and overfed his beloved pets Molly and Shelby, who along with his entire family, greatly miss his presence. "Danke schoen, darling, danke schoen. Thank you for all the joy and pain." -Wayne Newton Mr. Alberto D. Martinez is preceded in death by his parents, Roque Jacinto and Evelia Martinez; his brother Roque Martinez, Jr.; sister Maria Teresa Gonzaba; brother David E. Martinez; mother-in-law Sofia G. Villarreal; and father-in law Manuel M. Villarreal. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Maria Cristina Martinez; his children, Lucia Veronica (Randy) Austin and Sara Alicia (Alonzo Jr.) Olivarez; grandchildren, Faith Austin, Alonzo Olivarez III, Jordan Olivarez, Benjamin Olivarez, and Ricardo Alberto Olivarez; brothers and little sister, Eduardo (Laura) Martinez, Carlos R. Martinez, and Sylvia (Ruben) Olvera; sister-in-law Sylvia Martinez; uncle Arturo Martinez; in-laws, Minerva (Refugio) Romo, Manuel (Rebecca) Villarreal Jr., Alma (Valentin) Cuellar, and Irma (Rodolfo) Villarreal. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends. The family wishes to thank Dr. Eduardo Miranda, Dr. Benson Huang and Dr. Andres Garcia-Zuniga and the many other doctors for their special care throughout their years of treating Alberto. Many thanks to Dr. Obinna Ozigbo and the ICU nurses at Doctor's Hospital, Laredo Specialty Hospital, and Laredo Medical Center which include Jenny, Andrea, Orlando, Mike T., Azucena, Debbie, Allan, Arianna, Mar, Angelica and Erica (who cared for him during his final hours). Your compassion and tolerance of his nagging daughters will always be appreciated. Visitation will be held Monday, October 26, 2015 at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, 719 Loring at Cortez from 5 to 9 in the evening. A Rosary will be recited at 7 in the evening. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 27, 2015 departing the funeral home at 8:45 a.m. to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 a.m. Pallbearers will be: Randy Austin, George Gonzaba, Dr. Greg Gonzaba, Dr. Tom Gonzaba, David Martinez, Jr., Joseph Martinez, Alonzo Olivarez Jr., and Rafael Romo. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Juan Delgado, Alonzo Olivarez III, Ruben J. Olvera, and Ricardo Romo. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery with military honors presented by the U.S. Navy and local Post 59. You may express your condolences to the family online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, 719 Loring at Cortez, Laredo, Texas 78040; (956) 722-0001.