Emilio Ralph Martinez

Emilio was born on October 24, 1940, in El Paso, Texas, to Emilio Alfonso Martinez and Mercedes Chavez, both of whom preceded him in death. He was raised in El Paso, Texas, and Ventura, California, and graduated from Cathedral High School in El Paso in 1959.

He attended Texas Tech University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and German in 1965, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1967. Emilio began his engineering career at Collins Radio, where he worked on communications systems supporting the Apollo space program.

In 1970, Emilio and his family moved to Brazil, where he worked on a seven-year microwave communications project. In 1977, the family settled in Plano, Texas, which remained his home for the rest of his life.

Emilio had a deep and lifelong passion for education, science, and learning. His home—and the lives of those around him—was filled with books and curiosity. After retiring, he continued his studies in graduate-level mathematics at the University of Texas at Dallas, driven by a genuine love of knowledge.

Following a strong family tradition, Emilio was an active outdoorsman and devoted naturalist. He found joy in cycling, backwoods hiking, wildlife photography, winter camping, and snowshoeing, and he carried a quiet reverence for the natural world throughout his life.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Connie Coll Martinez; his four children, Maria Martinez Holland, Emilio Stephen Martinez, Peter Michael Martinez, and Karl Albert Martinez; and his ten grandchildren, Shelby Holland, Lara Holland, Alexander Martinez, Lucia Martinez, Dario Martinez, Ian Martinez, Peyton Martinez, Zach Martinez, Sammy Martinez, and Molly Martinez.

He is also survived by his siblings Mercedes McCloughan, Miguel Martinez, George Martinez, and Margaret Perry, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Georgina Grau.

Emilio will be remembered for his intellect, curiosity, generosity of spirit, love of learning, and deep devotion to his family and friends.