Arthur Martinez

Born on November 13, 1927 in San Luis Obispo to Antonio and Amalia Martinez, Art was the beloved “baby” of his three older sisters and older brother. Art reveled in the freedom of the rural central coast growing up and often spoke fondly of his boyhood and his adventures with his siblings and friends. Tragically, Art’s parents both died relatively young and as an adolescent, Art learned the value of hard work and difficult lessons of self-sufficiency.

Art was drafted into the Army and served honorably during the Korean conflict, earning the rank of corporal. Once his commitment was honored, he returned home and found various jobs first in the Central Valley and then in Sacramento, where his two sisters settled with their husbands and families, respectively. Art enjoyed his work for California’s state Department of Public Works (DPW, now Caltrans) as it allowed him to see the majestic beauty of California. Trips Art would take throughout his life traversing the state would often bring him face to face with many of the road and development projects he worked on as a young man. The state capital wasn’t only the start of Art’s career as a civil servant; a friend made in Sacramento would immeasurably change the course of Art’s personal life.

Gabriel Casillas was a good friend Art met through his brother-in-law. More importantly, Gabriel had a beautiful sister in Guadalajara, Mexico. After seeing her picture, Art invited himself on a subsequent trip to Mexico and met Gabriel’s sister, Maria de la Luz Cabrera, in person. They began corresponding by mail and soon Art proposed marriage and a move to the United States.

Married in 1964, the couple settled in eastern San Diego and they began their own family together. Marlene was followed by Alex, then Victor, Darlene and Mario over the course of 7 years. With five children under 6, the couple had their hands full. Throughout this time, Art put into practice some of the lessons in saving and investing he learned as a young man. The family purchased a small apartment complex in Spring Valley where they lived and worked together. All of the children recall the years of “working at the apartments” and helping the family get ahead. Long after they had moved from the apartments to other properties in Chula Vista, Art’s legacy of hard work, sacrifice, and tenacity remained with all of his kids. Life with Art wasn’t all business; his kids fondly remember trips to Balboa Park to learn about science and nature, the San Diego Zoo, Sea World and day trips to the beach in the summer. He also took every opportunity to provide them with learning experiences, like when he would bring home wounded birds from his job sites and teach his kids how to nurture them to health.

Art continued to work at DPW/Caltrans as an engineer and bridge inspector until his retirement. Retirement provided him with an opportunity to manage his rental properties full-time and, more importantly, to enjoy his ever-growing family. Grandchildren Gabriella, Dante and Sophia Martinez were the first to get “Abolito” back on the floor to play with blocks and dolls. Soon after, grandson Diego Cecena became a daily joy in Art and Maria’s life. Most recently, Luzia Martinez tested Abolito’s stamina in keeping up with an active toddler.

Throughout his life, Art sought to satisfy his natural curiosity about personal health, politics and people of interest. It was a normal occurrence to visit Art and walk away with an article or two he thought you could benefit from reading. His interests were deeply rooted in helping himself and those around him improve. Although his family desperately wishes he had had more time to continue to pursue his interests and enjoy his family, they are grateful for their time with him.

Art is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 47 years, Maria de la Luz; his five children; their spouses; five grandchildren; his sister Rebecca Ruiz; his sister Ed Cota; numerous brother and sister-in-laws; and many nieces and nephews in California and Mexico. Donations can be made in his honor to Disabled American Veterans (3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076; 877-426-2838).