Pioquinto Chavaria Martinez

Mr. Pioquinto C. Martinez who was loved by his wife and family peacefully entered into his Heavenly Father's arms on Wednesday, February 15, 2006, in San Antonio, Texas. He was 90 years old. Mr. Martinez was born May 5, 1915 and was raised in Laredo, TX.

He proudly served in the US Army from 1940 to 1945, and later began a Civil Service career with Kelly Air Force Base where he retired in 1981. Mr. Martinez was a Normandy Invasion survivor and served in the Second Division Engineer Battalion. Citations awarded were: European/African Middle Eastern Distinguished Unit Badge, 2nd Division Engineer Good Conduct Medal, and HQ 2nd Infantry Division 45 Expert bayonet.

Mr. Martinez married Aurora Solis on August 18, 1946 and proudly raised eight children. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ramona Chavarria and father, Matias Martinez and his five brothers. He is survived by his loving wife, Aurora S. Martinez and their 8 children: Grace B. Garcia Tom, Pioquinto Martinez, Jr., Maricela Garcia, George X. Martinez Rebecca, Orlando Martinez, Dora Diana Marquart David, Ricardo Martinez, and Homer Martinez Janet; 15 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.

Mr. Martinez lived his life on his own terms with strength, courage and a will to live. He loved his family dearly and will be greatly missed.