Arnold James Martin

He lived in New Bedford, MA until joining the service in the US Army, in Alaska, near the end of World War II.

The summer of 1948 he spent in Portugal. He travelled with his parents, his sister and brothers. It was his first time to meet his Portuguese aunts, uncles and numerous cousins. It was a trip of a lifetime!

He then attended Columbia University (Class of 1952) where he earned a degree in business. Later Arnold met Jean Marie Castagnetti and they married on June 28 1952 in Staten Island, NY. After having their first three children in New York, they moved to San Diego, CA in 1956 where they completed the family with four more children.

Jean passed on April 6 2008 at 77 years old. They were married happily for over 55 years!

A life-time of memories have been enjoyed by all his children, grandchildren and his entire family. We thank him for choosing to settle in San Diego. Excellent choice, Dad!

Arnold started in San Diego with purchasing California Wood Products, a red wood furniture manufacturing business. Most of his career was with Martin and Associates, a real estate brokerage firm that specialized in commercial and industrial real estate. This career move guaranteed that he would have evenings and weekends with his family. He never missed anything of importance for any member of the family.

Arnold is Survived by: 3 siblings: Mary Lou Manrod, Walter Martin and James Martin; 7 children: Steven (Linda) Martin, Laurinda Ream, John (Cathy) Martin, Robert (Anca) Martins, Kathleen (Mark) Shipley, Thomas (Renee) Martin, Ruth Kleefisch; 20 grandchildren: Leah, Delaina, Andrea, Jonathan, Karinne, Annie, Donovan, Krysta, Sam, Joana, Nick, Jenna, Colin, Brianna, Angela, Paul, Christina, Meagan, Steven, Carly; 26 Great Grandchildren!

In 2014, Arnold met Marie Turkle at Santa Sophia Catholic Church. The family wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to her for loving our father and bringing her infectious joy to his life for the last 10 years! Thank you, Marie, for being part of our family!

He was blessed with good health, a responsible man with a sense of purpose. A life-long Catholic, at the center of his life was his love and devotion to his family. He so much enjoyed religious holidays, birthdays and Sunday dinners with his mother, wife and kids. Family gatherings were always big and always joyous and will never be forgotten. He was always there for us!

Dad, we love you and we will greatly miss you.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday May 2nd at 11am at Santa Sophia Catholic Church in Casa De Oro, 9800 San Juan St. Spring Valley, CA 91977 followed by burial services at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery and reception at Bob & Anca’s home 4151 Rogers Lane, Spring Valley, CA 91977.