John was one of the most kind person I have ever met. He always had a warm smile on his face. Him and his beautiful wife Norma were always there for my daughter Jamie and son in-law Matt. I truly will never forget him. 

His smile was contagious..  always in positive conversations, finding something to laugh about. ♥️

My deepest condolences to his beautiful wife Norma and all of his family. John had such an amazing energy. At his 50th birthday party, he was  so happy! I loved hearing about his love for going to the Saint's games and some of the places his work took him. His voice resonated with so much character. He will be missed. 

From Matt:
My dearest brother; words cannot express how much you have meant to me. You were there for me for more than half my life. Thank you for all the good times, all the laughter, adventures and for being there when I needed you. I couldn't have picked a better best friend if I tried. I hope that you knew how much you mean to me. 
I will miss you for the rest of my days, and you will never be forgotten. 

From Jamie:
Thank you for welcoming me into your family with open arms & an enormous smile. There truly are not enough words to tell you how grateful I am for everything you have done for our family. 
You were the greatest godfather, and I am glad my boys got to know you. 
You and your smile will be terribly missed. 
Rest in peace

Sending my condolences to Norma and the family. I didn’t know John well, but I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times. He was a very genuinely nice person. May God comfort you in this time of grief. 

Although this is a sad time, I know that Gabe is looking down on us from heaven with Uncle Jessie and Aunt Rosie, waiting for the rest of the family to join him! He was loved tremendously by many, and will be missed. I'm so glad he was loved by someone as amazing as Norma, and shared a beautiful life with someone so special. Another angel has earned his wings❤

To the family: please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. John was my mentor back in summer 2013 and was undoubtedly the most down-to-earth person I have ever met. Such a breeze to talk to and genuinely a great guy. During my internship, I didn't have  an individual office, so John offered to share his office space with me (where we were practically face-to-face and three feet apart), which granted us the privilege of getting to know one another on a personal level. He LOVED the New Orleans Saints, H-town, and his family. On many occasions, he spoke highly of his family unit and the brisket he'd smoke and share with everyone over a weekend meal. We were so close that we kept in touch over the years since 2013. He will truly be missed by me particularly, as I'm sure by you all as well. Rest In Peace, John.

I know there are no words to help you get through this Norma, but know that we love you! Gabriel is with his loving parents again, I know that he missed them & loved them dearly. While he'll be missed by many, he's in a much happier place than the rest of us! I'm praying for you & your family! We love you! 💗💗

John you were so welcoming and incredibly nice when Robert and I visited you guys. I also remember when the 4 of us went to dinner how you insisted in paying. You would have it no other way. Thank you for your generosity. May you Rest In eternal Peace John. 


John will deeply be missed. He was always kind, loving and willing to help in anyway possible. His smile was one of his best quality and we’ll always remember with love. He will remain the undefeated cannonball champion. 
Forever in our hearts until we see you again. 

John and Norma were our next door neighbors when we lived in Dickinson. They were the kind of neighbors everyone wishes they had. They helped feed our animals when we were out of town and even mowed our lawn for us (thank you Norma). John always had a smile on his face and was friendly whenever we saw him. I became friends with Norma and enjoyed our visits. Even though we moved away and didn’t get to see them much, we have fond memories of living in Dickinson and getting to know them.  We send our deepest condolences to Norma and the rest of the family.

Can’t believe you’re gone. Please know I love you. Rest peacefully. ❤️

Normis, I'm so sorry for your loss. You're never far from my thoughts. 

John, brother in law.. sweet gentle John.  Thank you for your kindness, for your smiles, for all the fun we had hanging out.. A thousand and one laughs... You will truly be missed. Forever with us. 
Cris 

Gabe and I were just a year apart in age. When I was a little girl, I have very vivid memories of the two of us playing together at his “mansion“ with 2 staircases. My favorite game was Battleship, but I remember he had lots of toys and always was happy to share with me.  He was sweet, playful, always smiling and laughing and I know his personality remained the same into adulthood. My deepest condolences to my cousins Martin and Jesse (and their families) and to his wife Norma. I imagine he was the most wonderful, loving, and kind husband to her and will be greatly missed. 

Norma,
The Lord bless you and always surround you with ALL of His Promises. 
From Marri - I want you to know every time I think of Gabriel I think of his smile that came from his heart of love. 
Gabriel’s heart was a reflection of true love and beautiful is that he gave it to You.
From Roy - Gabriel was the most happiest person he ever met and he was always very positive. 
Prayers,
Marri & Roy Velasquez 


History states that Helen of Troy's face could launch a thousand ships. 

I can tell you that Gabriel's smile could brighten a dark room.

He had an infectious smile and laugh.

When I read of Gabriel's passing, I closed my eyes and saw him as a small child with that beautiful smile.

Norma, my heart and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.





I Give Thanks For You

To this sacred place I come, drawn by the eternal ties that bind my soul to the soul of my beloved. Death does not separate us. You are no longer at my side to share the beauty of the passing moment. I cannot look to you to lighten my burdens, lend me your strength, your wisdom, or faith. 

And yet what you mean to me does not wither or fade. For a time we touched hands and hearts, still your voice abides in me, your tender glance remains a joy to me. For you are part of me forever, something of you has become a deathless song to my lips. And so beyond the ache that tells how much I miss you, a deeper thought compels: we were together. 

I hold you still in my mind and give thanks for your life and love. The happiness that was, the memories that do not fade are a gift that can not be lost. You will continue to bless my days and years. I will always give thanks for you John Martinez. ❤️

John Gabriel was my nephew.  My thoughts of him were, “what a sweet boy.” When he entered a room, things suddenly were electrified with more life and laughter.  He had a way of making you feel special....that you mattered.  He had a beautiful smile and eyes that twinkled with excitement of life.
“Thank you Lord, for blessing us with John Gabriel.”
“And Gabe, I’ll see you in heaven!”

OBITUARY

John Gabriel Martinez

11 August, 1971 – 20 October, 2021

Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home & Forest Park Lawndale

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