Joseph Enrique Martinez

Born on November 2, 1993, in Cleveland, Ohio, Joseph's vibrant spirit touched the lives of all who knew him.

Joseph's educational journey led him through McEbright Elementary School in Akron, OH, Waverly Elmwood Elementary, Waverly Intermediate School, and Stockbridge Middle and High School. He was employed as a chef at Mitchell's Fish Market in Lansing.

He had a passion for football and basketball, and his love for fishing and collecting shoes reflected his diverse interests. Joseph's outgoing personality and infectious smile endeared him to everyone he encountered.

Joseph leaves behind his cherished children, Joseph Enrique Martinez Jr. and Julian Joseph Martinez and stepchildren, Alexia, Anthony, and Jesse. He is also survived by his loving parents, Enrique and Theresa Martinez; grandparents, Jerome E. Burger I and Cruz and Maria Martinez; siblings, Timothy Sepkoski, Leslie (Justin Taylor) Sepkoski, Ana-Alicia (Brandon) Reed, Steven (Jodi) VanEpps, William VanEpps, Amanda Martinez, and Akiaila Martinez; special nephew who was raised as a brother, Devin Snider; nieces and nephews, Amelia Canty, Caden Canty, Gabriella Boettcher, Bentley Martinez, Bryson Reed, and Axell Reed; and many other loving cousins, aunts, and uncles. He also leaves behind his foster sisters, Maria, Keiby, and Teresa and special friends, Ashley Smith, Kayla Rae High, and Sarah Badall.

A visitation to honor Joseph's life will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Lansing Chapel, 900 E Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912.

Memorial contributions can be given to the family to help support the care of Joseph's two small children by donating to the family’s GoFundMe, https://www.gofundme.com/f/joseph-enrique-martinez?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=email&utm_source=customer

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the library staff for their vigilance and assistance, the police and EMS who responded promptly, and the surgeon who made every effort to save Joseph's life.

Joseph Enrique Martinez will be remembered for the light he brought into the world, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by his warmth and kindness. May he rest in eternal peace.