God is giving you - Exodus 20:12
Andres Mojica Martinez, affectionately known as “Pop,” Dad,” Tio,” Papi,” Da,” and “Grandpa,”
left us at the age of 87 on April 15, 2024, in his home in Cambria Heights, NY. Born on March
30, 1937, in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, to Mercedes and Juan Mojica Martinez, Pop carried a
unique name — a social security clerk’s error fused his mother’s maiden name and his father’s
surname, christening him Andres Mojica Martinez. Pop carried with him both his mother’s and
father’s legacy, eventually passing his mother’s name on to his own family.
Pop represented the giving and softness of our family — a man whose heart was always as
open as his door. His home was a haven, his arms always ready for an embrace, and his
generosity knew no bounds — whether it was his love, laughter, or even his last bottle of beer,
if you needed it, it was yours. Well, maybe not his last bottle of beer. Pop probably wouldn’t
have gone that far.
Pop’s tale of romance began one fateful evening at the infamous Rendezvous nightclub, where
he met Ruby, also known as Gladys Knight to him, under the neon lights. Love sparked
instantly, but not without a challenge. That night, Pop found himself entangled in a rivalry for
Ruby’s affection, which culminated in a dramatic showdown. Their meeting wasn't just
memorable, but cinematic, involving a scuffle with another man that ended with Pop winning
both the fight and Ruby's heart (Well, actually, I heard he punched the other man in the back
and ran out of the club, across the street to the police station). After winning her heart, or
chasing away Ruby’s other options (depending how you look at it), they settled in Cambria
Heights and raised their three children — eventually opening their home to family in times of
need, including one young promising child named Pedro Mojica. My parents were married for
over 53 years, during which my dad lovingly took care of my mom, especially when she was
sick, fulfilling his vow to care for her in sickness and in health until her death.
A hard worker, Pop retired after 20+ years as a shipping and receiving supervisor at Jaco
Electronics in Hauppauge, NY. Evenings after work were simple, yet rich — savoring yellow rice
and beans with chicken and enjoying a beer, with the radio on in the backyard window tuned to
his favorite music or the ball game. He imparted to all of us life lessons of hard work, the
importance of an education, and how you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it.
Family gatherings were Pop’s arena. He was the king of the cookout, the hero of humor, and
sometimes the ice breaker dancer, always ready to lead a line to the dance floor. Pop could
out-dance anyone, his moves as fiery as his personality, often coaxing even Ruby onto the
dance floor after a few laughs — or beers. You could hear his famous dance floor scowl, "Oww,
watch out!" was our cue to join in the fun, surrounding him as he showed us yet again how it's
done.
Pop carried a soft and compassionate heart, to always do for others, and to give of yourself. If
someone needed something, he would go out and give it, never expecting anything in return.
He passed on this sense of taking care of family, taking care of those around you, and helping
others where you can.
Pop’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and the selfless pursuit of making others happy. He is
survived by his children Raymond (Marjorie) Martinez of Massapequa, NY, Valerie Martinez of
Charlotte, NC, and Eric (Safara) Martinez of Houston, TX; his grandchildren Anthony Richard
Martinez, Nicolas Ray Martinez, Andre Kyle Martinez, Adrian Kenneth Martinez, Gavin Ray
Martinez; great-granddaughter Akyra Nicole Martinez and great-grandson Zacchaeus Jeremias
Melo Beam.
Andres is also survived by his siblings Miguel Mojica of Glen Cove, NY, Antonia Morales of
Chesapeake, VA, and Haydee Mojica of Dallas, TX. He was predeceased by his siblings Ramon Mojica-Martinez, Maria Mojica, and Lucia Mojica. Andres Mojica Martinez lived a life rich with love and laughter, leaving a legacy of warmth and generosity that will forever dance in the hearts of those he touched.
A funeral service for Andres will be held Friday, April 26, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at R. Stutzmann & Son, 22439 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, New York 11428. Following the funeral service will be a graveside service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Pinelawn Memorial Park, 2030 Wellwood AVenue, Farmingdale, New York. A repast will be held at approximately 2:45 p.m. at D'Joys Event Hall, 519 Meacham Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003 (Between G & H Street)
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