Benjamin & Ruby Martinez

On Sunday, August 9, 2020, Benjamin Rodriguez Martinez, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at the age of 77. Known to many as Ben, or to his grandkids as Poppy, was born in Capas, Tarlac, Philippines on June 13, 1943. Ben joined the United States Navy in 1965 and immigrated to the U.S. He served his country honorably for 20 years, attaining the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class as a Personnel man before retiring. Ben went on to work as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for an additional 20 years before officially retiring in 2005. In his retirement, he spent his spare time fishing, cooking, visiting with his children and grandchildren, and caring for his wife.

Ben was preceded in death by his mother Maria, father Victor, sister Alice, and granddaughter Rebeccah. He is survived by his wife Ruby, their three children Deborah, Amy, and Tony, as well as his four grandchildren Brandon, Emily, Benjamin and Lilly.

Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00am on Friday, August 21, 2020 at St. Joseph's Historic Old Church, 4214 Loretto Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32223, followed by inurnment at Mandarin Cemetery.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL (904) 288-0025.