Joseph D. Martinez

Joseph D. Martinez - Joe Martinez passed away peacefully on December 26, 2011, in Petaluma, Calif. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather who had many loyal friends from a lifetime of hard work and fun. Born in El Paso, Texas on March 19, 1921, Joe was one of eight children of Carlos and Concepcion Martinez. As a young man, Joe left home to find work and ended up in San Francisco. He soon met Theresa Rodriguez and after a short and eventful courtship they married in February 1943. The next month Joe entered the U.S. Army where he served his country in the Normandy invasion of Europe as a gunner in the 118th A.A.A. Gun Battalion. Joe told many stories about the war in France and Belgium, including the Battle of the Bulge, and he kept in touch with his fellow soldiers for decades afterwards. He is survived by daughters Carmel Fenves of Austin, Texas and Christine Spores of Petaluma, son-in-law Gregory Fenves, grandchildren Joseph B. Martinez, Hannah Fenves, Emily Fenves, Brian Spores, and Andrew Spores, great-grandson Joseph A. Martinez, brother Carlos Martinez of Redwood Shores, Calif., and brother Raymond Martinez and sisters Bertha Reyes and Maggie Martinez of El Paso. Joe is predeceased by beloved Terry after 58 years of marriage and their son Joe C. Friends and family are invited to attend the Memorial Service, Friday, December 30, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma. Private Inurnment. Theresa and Joeâ??s son Joseph C. was born in December 1943, and two years later Joe was honorably discharged and returned to San Francisco. He apprenticed as a painter and began a career at Rainbow Painting & Decorating Co., working his way up to general superintendant. Daughters Carmel and Christine were born during the San Francisco years.