Ronald Martinez

Ron Martinez was born on July 28, 1942, in Hartman, Colorado, to Charley and Celia Martinez. He was named after the then-rising movie star—and future president—Ronald Reagan, a favorite of his mother. Ron spent his early years in the small, rural town of Hartman, where life was simple and often challenging. The family lived in a one-room adobe house once used by migrant farm workers. With no electricity or indoor plumbing, they relied on lanterns and an outhouse. When Ron was five, the family moved to Holly, Colorado. At school, neither Ron nor his siblings spoke English. He learned by first grade but eventually stopped speaking Spanish altogether, as other children would tease him.

In the summer of 1950, Ron’s family moved north and eventually settled in the “Goat Hill” area of Denver.

In November 1960, Ron proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps—a defining chapter in his life. His service took him to Okinawa, Africa, Afghanistan (where he was often mistaken for a local due to his dark complexion), and Beirut. His time in the Marines remained a source of deep pride.

After his military service, Ron returned to Denver and began working for the phone company as a coin collector. Always striving to better himself, he earned an associate’s degree in business and steadily advanced within the company. In 1974, Ron and his family moved to Ft. Lupton, and then to Northglenn in 1978. He retired from US West as a course instructor for managers. Never one to sit still, he later took a part-time job with the U.S. Postal Service to keep busy.

Ron was a passionate football fan and eagerly awaited the return of the season each fall. A loyal Broncos supporter through good years and bad, his love for the game was unwavering. He had a quiet, dry sense of humor, enjoyed action movies, loved to cook, and had a deep appreciation for music of all kinds.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Celia and Charley; his sister, Alice; and his brothers, Abel and Joe. He is survived by his sister, Rosie; his daughter, Michele and her husband Tom; their daughters Emily (Logan) and Katie (Tim); his great-grandson, Ryan; and his son, Dan.

Ron passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, at the age of 83. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, September 25th at 10:00 AM at Olinger Funeral Home, with burial to follow immediately afterward.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Elevation Hospice at https://sagefoc.com/elevation-co/#donate. In lieu of flowers, donations to this incredible organization would be greatly appreciated.