Richard Rudolph "Dick" Martinez's Obituary
Richard Rudolph Martinez
Beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, Richard “Dick” Martinez entered into his eternal home on May 2, 2014. Richard, son of Joe and Pauline Martinez was born on March 24, 1930 and would proudly claim that he was born and raised in Pasadena, California—home of the Rose Bowl. After high school, Richard joined the U.S. Navy with his final assignment being a radar man on the carrier, U.S.S. Tarawa, where he was fortunate to make an around the world good will cruise. Following his naval service, he returned to California and went to work for Western Electric, a telecommunications job that began his communications career. Richard later worked in the Canal Zone installing telecommunications equipment for the U.S. Government before accepting a position with United Telephone Company in Ohio. Richard was a California boy who did not like the cold and snow in Ohio, so in 1975, he applied and was accepted for a job with United Telephone of Florida in Fort Myers. A medical reason caused Richard to retire in 1988, settling in Tavares. In 1986, Richard married Suzanne Taylor, who introduced him to the beauty of the Mississippi River and the excitement of river boating. They shared a love of the water and enjoyed many years of steamboating together on Americas’ rivers. Richard liked the horse races and attended many while still in California. He also was a golfer, car enthusiast, and enjoyed marching bands, dancing and jazz music. He shared his zest for life with those around him and will be remembered for his easy way and great smile. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Vivian Sleeva, his brother Ed Martinez, his son Michael Martinez and his grandson Harrison Grandinetti. In addition to his wife, Suzanne, Richard is survived by daughters Michelle (Nick) Earltinez of Cocoa Village, Florida; Shawna Detrick of Cape Coral, Florida and grandchildren Eddie Traylor, Garrett and Chloe Detrick; sister Marie Werner of Rancho Cucamonga, California; brothers Don (Helen) Martinez of Pasadena, Marty Martinez of San Clemente, California and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Thursday May 8 from 1:00 p.m. with a celebration of Richard’s life at 2:00 p.m. at Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd. , Tavares, FL.
A graveside service and burial will be held on Saturday, May 10 at 11: a.m. at the Erie Cemetery, Erie, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the National Kidney Foundation http://www.kidney.org/ , The Central Brevard Humane Society http://crittersavers.com/ or the Howard Steamboat Museum http://www.steamboatmuseum.org/ Arrangements are entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, Tavares, FL and Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Erie, IL.
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