Obituary of Jose Martinez

Jose ‘Joe’ ‘Pepe’ Martinez passed away at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City on January 14, 2021, at the age of 74. He was born in Oceanside, CA on October 12, 1946 and moved to Hollister shortly after where he lived the rest of his life. Joe attended San Benito High School and was an avid athlete, in fact, Coach Mattson and Coach Casarino went to his home to ask his father to let him play football; he had such talent as a freshman that he quickly excelled from the freshman team to junior varsity to varsity. Joe married the love of his life, Nancy Solano, on January 26, 1964. They lived in Hollister, CA where they raised their family. Joe was the “Greatest Electrician” and worked at Ice & Cold Storage, San Benito Foods, Gilroy Foods, Tucknott Electric, Blossom Hill Winery, Cara Mia, and Granite Rock until he retired in June of 2015. Joe is deeply missed and survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Nancy Martinez; his children, James Martinez, Joseph Martinez, Joanne (Tim) Fowles, and Jason Martinez; his sisters, Gloria Martinez, Martha Ortiz, Margie (Dave) Diener, Alice August, and Esther Martinez; his grandchildren, Bryan Fowles, Danielle Fowles, Jennifer (Kendall) Fisher, Brittany Martinez, Dominique Martinez, Jeffrey Martinez, Avery Martinez, Maximus Martinez, and Jolene Martinez; great-grandchildren, Kendall Fisher III and Chelsea Fisher. Not to forget his precious fur companion, Rosey the Chihuahua. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Jose & Tavita Martinez; his son, Jeffrey Martinez; in-laws, John & Rose Solano. Joe was a family man that was always there to support his family. In the 80’s he served as a Babe Ruth coach, an umpire, and president. His love for sports continued as he rooted on his favorite Bay Area teams from the 49ers, Giants, Warriors to the Sharks. Family and friends have best described him as honest, hardworking, kind, respectful, and always there with a helping hand. He always gave advice, he taught life lessons in the most genuine way. Always addressed strangers with the kindest greetings “gentlemen”, he truly cared and was the most compassionate man. He always gave kindness from his heart and was sensitive to the needs of other people. Joe was a man of faith and he walked with God. He participated in church and led the Song Service. He loved to sit and listen to music, whether it be Worship music, Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, or Sixties music while sitting and tinkering in his yard or just relaxing on his rocking chair. He was such a blessed man of God, he left to his Heavenly Home with such peace on his face. There are no services at this time due to Covid-19. There will be a celebration of life held on January 14, 2022. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.