Seodello Alvero Martinez (aka "Sam") was blessed with an abundance of leadership qualities. He was a man who definitely liked order and was most comfortable with an organized and structured lifestyle.
Seodello ("Sam") was born on October 5, 1929 and raised in Imus, Cavite, Philippines. His parents were Fidel and Maria Alvero Martinez. At a young age, Sam was credited with having a positive influence on those around him.
Sam was the eldest of six siblings. He had three younger brothers Eduardo, Rolando and Oscar, and two younger sisters Remedios and Rosario. He often found himself in the role of providing fair solutions to those sibling disputes. In every family activity, he was able to demonstrate his uncommon logic and skill at building compromise.
On July 14, 1957 Sam exchanged wedding vows with Nellie Lim Morados at Imus Catholic Church of Imus, Cavite. Nellie was a significant part of his life, and it wasn’t necessary for Sam to be overly sentimental or expressive about it for others to be aware of their mutual devotion. They were happily married for 63 years.
Family and children were important to Sam, even if he didn’t always show it. He was blessed with four children, two sons Jose and Vincent, and two daughters Carisa and Patricia. He was also blessed with ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Sam was intuitive and mentally alert and always craved the challenge of solving complex problems. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems from San Diego State University in 1973. He also pursued graduate school, earning his Masters degree in Public Administration from National University in 1977.
After serving three years in the Philippine Air Force, Sam joined the U. S. Navy. He served as a 3M System Data Analyst and an Aviation Machinist. Through his dedication and hard work, he achieved the rank of and retired a First Class Petty Officer.
At work Sam was viewed as a natural leader. He could marshal all of the available resources, including personnel and materials, in order to meet virtually any objective. Although he might have been described by some as an overachiever, he was without question a dedicated and diligent employee. His primary occupation was Computer Specialist/Computer Programmer. He was employed for 5 years by the San Diego City Schools and an additional 15 years by the Naval Regional Medical Center, San Diego.
Sam's ability to motivate, direct and organize others made him a valuable asset to the organizations to which he contributed during his lifetime. He was one who could be counted on to work hard to implement goals and required little to begin work on a specific task. Once a project began, Sam had a definite methodology for seeing it through to completion. Throughout his later years, he was a member and President of the Unified Filipino Association of San Diego, Knights of Columbus, Director of the Filipino Cursillio Movement, the Filipino Catholic Society of San Diego and the Cavite Association of San Diego.
Sam lived his life guided by a well-defined set of beliefs. His faith and religion were the most important aspects of those beliefs. He was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church for 50 years. Before ordination he became a Master Catechist. On June 21, 1991 he was the first Filipino to be ordained Deacon in the Catholic Diocese of San Diego and served as the Director of the Filipino Cursillio Movement. During that time he was also the Director of Catechetical Ministries. Sam's stewardship also included serving as the Religious Program Director for Stella Maris, Port of San Diego as well as participating in and facilitating various church ministries.
Traveling was another way for Sam to apply his exceptional leadership and organizational skills. He enjoyed planning and preparing trips to explore different places. Favorite vacations included European Pilgrimages and tours, as well as cruises to Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands.
Sam was also a lover of animals and cherished his pet. One of his favorites was his buddy, Moonie, a Maine Coon cat.
Sam passed away on April 15, 2019 at Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, California. He died peacefully and was surrounded at his bedside by his loving family. He is survived by his wife Nellie, his children (grandchildren) Jose (Aaron), Carisa (Rachel, Yolanda, Monica, Maria, Victoria), Patricia (Kristen and Karina) and Vincent (Desmond and Alela); twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; his brothers Eduardo, Rolando and Oscar; his sister Rosario. Services will be held at St. Charles Catholic Church and he will be laid to rest in Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, California.
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