Gildardo "Jerry" Martinez

Passed away unexpectedly on August 30, 2017 at the age of 79.

Jerry was born January 11, 1938 in Bisbee, Arizona, the oldest of his 4 sisters and 2 brothers. At the age of thirteen he moved to San Diego with his aunt and uncle. While attending Lincoln High School he met his wife at a rival football game and the two married in June 1958, 59 years ago. A work opportunity brought Jerry and his family to Northern California and he worked in construction until retiring in 2003.

In his retirement, Jerry was an active member of the Men’s Club at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and MOMS (Mothers of Military Service Members). Affectionately know as “Papa”, Jerry was a family man in every sense of the word. He attended every performance, event and game involving his grandchildren. When not busy with his family, he enjoyed spending time on projects around the house and was very proud of his garden. He was also passionate, and a life long fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. Papa made friends everywhere he went, quickly winning people with his charm.

His infant daughter Mary Angela and his granddaughter Lisa Clark predeceased Jerry. He is survived by his wife Guadalupe “Lucy” Martinez, his children Lawrence Martinez and Julie Clark, his grandchildren, Scott, Alexandra, Danielle and Theodore and his great grandsons Parker and Greyson.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Jerry touched are invited to Saint Joseph’s Church in Cotati for the following services:

Rosary - Monday September 18, 2017 at 7pm

Funeral - Tuesday September 19, 2017 at 11 am.   A reception immediately following Tuesday’s services will be held in the Church Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Cancer Society.

St. Joseph Catholic Church

St. Joseph Catholic Church