Blas Martinez

Blas M. Martinez passed away peacefully, in his sleep with his loving wife by his side on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at his home. Born on December 3, 1935, Blas was a lifelong resident of Laredo, Texas. He attended St. Joseph's Academy, graduating in 1955. He proudly served his country in the United States Army stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. He attended Laredo Junior College and graduated from Texas A&I University in Kingsville where he earned a degree in Business Administration in 1962. He also continued his education at the Wharton School of Business of the University of Pennsylvania. He married Rosina Urteaga on February 14, 1960. They remained happily married for nearly 50 years, raising a beautiful family of seven children.--

A faithful and devout Catholic, Blas dearly loved our Heavenly Father, and had a special place in his heart for our Blessed Mother. He served his beloved Blessed Sacrament Church in various capacities. He was a Lector, a Eucharistic Minister, and together with his wife, worked with numerous engaged couples in their marriage preparation through the Sponsor Couple Program. He was a Charter Member of the Blessed Sacrament Knights of Columbus Council #10939 serving also as a Grand Knight. He lived his ACTS retreat through San Martin de Porres Church in the summer of 2007. Appointed by Bishop Rene Gracida to the Communication Board in 1982, he was instrumental in establishing 88.1 KHOY, Laredo's only Catholic radio station. He also ensured that Channel 2, the viewing area's religious television station was made available through basic cable channels. In 1976, he was among a group of dedicated parents who purchased the Ursuline Academy property to merge Ursuline Academy and St. Augustine Schools to keep Laredo's only Catholic High School open and available to our community. He served on the Board of Directors of St. Augustine High School while his children attended. He dearly loved and dedicated his time and service to the Ursuline Sisters and the Marist Brothers, opening his home to many of them who would come to Laredo to visit or by serving as a Pall Bearer as they passed away.

Blas dearly loved and cherished his wife Rosina, his high school sweetheart. Together they loved to travel and shared a passion for history, music, theatre, art, and the Hollywood Classics. They took great pride and joy in watching their children grow and educating them to be successful contributors of society where he instilled in them the importance of service to others and the love of our country and community. They shared fond memories of family vacations they took throughout the years, sports and school activities, dance recitals, and birthday and holiday celebrations. They always enjoyed and appreciated their children's friends filling their home with laughter and adventure. His greatest delight was his twelve grandchildren. He was extremely proud of their intelligence, individuality, and most especially their great love for him. They could always count on "Pop" for a big kiss, a tight hug, and enough love to last a lifetime.

Blas was a wonderful son, brother, and friend. A seventh generation Texan, he was proud of his familial history and his culture. He adored his parents and parents-in-law and had many fond memories of his siblings and their families. He maintained lifelong friendships that he and Rosina dearly treasured. His great personality, huge smile, contagious laugh, and quick wit will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Mourning the loss of many of these friends throughout the years, it gives his loved ones left behind much comfort knowing he is in great company in Heaven.

Blas was an invaluable asset to our community. While serving as director of the federally funded Model Cities and the Community Development Agency during President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty, Laredo flourished. He also managed the Laredo Cold Storage and was the Executive Vice President at the Union National Bank. He owned and operated South Texas Mortgage Company and South Texas Funding Corporation for the past eighteen years. Recognized at the state level for his leadership on behalf of South Texas, Blas was particularly effective in higher education. Appointed to the University Of South Texas System Board Of Regents by Governor Mark White in 1983, he served as its president from 1988 to 1989.-In that capacity he helped craft legislation to dissolve the system and to merge then Laredo State University (LSU) and other South Texas institutions into either The University of Texas or A&M Systems.-He also was instrumental in expanding LSU into a four-year institution that could offer joint or doctoral degrees, Texas A&M International University, and remained among its strongest supporters. Other higher learning institutions affected by this merging include, Texas A&M University in Kingsville, and Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi. He was also involved in numerous community organizations where he volunteered his time, energy, ideas, and leadership. He served as president of the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association in 1988. He was President of the American Heart Association, involved in the Border Olympics, the Junipero Serra Club of Laredo, and Rotary International. He was Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission as well as Chairman of the City of Laredo Airport Advisory Committee.-Most recently he was appointed to the by the State Bar of Texas to serve on the District Twelve Grievance Committee.

Blas is preceded in death by his parents Cristobal Martinez and Amanita Ramirez Martinez, his parents-in-law Juan Jose Urteaga and Rosina Cortez Urteaga.

He is survived by his beloved wife Rosina, his children Rosina (John) Silva, Blas M. (Rosita) Martinez, Jr.,-Judith (Jeffrey) Puig, Gerardo (Dawn) Martinez, Rafael (Bianca) Martinez, Jaime Martinez, Pia Martinez and his grandchildren Rosina and Rebecca Silva, Andreita and Sofia Martinez, Jeffrey, Raquel, Joseph, and Judith Puig, and Gerardo, Eduardo, Arturo, and Joaquin Martinez. He is also survived by his siblings Celia M. Villarreal, Bertha M. Garza, and David (Olga) Martinez, Carmela (Ignacio) Alaniz, Teresita U. Meza and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He will be truly missed.

Pallbearers are: Blas M. Martinez, Jr., Jose Gerardo Martinez, Rafael A. Martinez, Jaime D. Martinez, John Silva, Jr., Jeffrey Puig, Pablo J. Garza III and David B. Trevino.

Honorary Pallbearers are: David I. Martinez, Ignacio R. Martinez, Dr. Joaquin G. Cigarroa, Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa, Honorable George P. Kazen, Carlos Zaffirini, Mercurio Martinez, Jr. and Ramiro V. Martinez.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Joaquin G. Cigarroa and Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa for their friendship and outstanding medical care.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in his name to the Sacred Heart Children's Home; 3310 S. Zapata Hwy.; Laredo, TX. 78046; (956)723-3343.

Everyone is also welcome to express their condolences at: BlasMartinez@yahoo.com