Arthur Ortega Martinez

Arturo Ortega Martinez, born on September 29, 1947, in San Antonio, Texas, began his life as the oldest of nine children and the proud son of Arturo and Beatrice Martinez. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work and family, spending his boyhood helping his tío in the shoe repair business—a trade that would later become a defining thread throughout his life.

As a teenager, Arturo’s world expanded when he and his cousins made the long journey to California in the back of a pickup truck. They arrived during the height of the 1960s, a time full of music, culture, and change. Arturo embraced it all with the curiosity and boldness that would follow him throughout his life.

In 1970, Arturo entered the United States Army, stepping into service with pride and determination. That same year, fate brought him to Zoila, the woman who would become his lifelong partner. They married on October 26, 1970, beginning a marriage rooted in love, resilience, and shared dreams.

Together, they raised four children—Tricia, Arthur, Anthony, and Isaac—instilling in them the values of hard work, loyalty, and family unity. Over the years, Arturo’s family grew through marriages, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, each one carrying a piece of his spirit forward.

Arturo built his life around his craft. He worked in and eventually owned several shoe repair shops, becoming a familiar and trusted presence in his community. His shops weren’t just businesses—they were gathering places, where people came not only to fix their shoes but to share stories, laughter, and a moment with a man who treated everyone with kindness and respect. In the early 2000s, he moved his business to Mesa, Arizona, where he continued his work and built new connections.

In his retirement, Arturo discovered a new pastime—playing Keno at the casino. What started as a simple “come on, let’s go, we’ll just drop a 20” outing with his beloved wife became a shared joy between them. After Zoila’s passing, Arturo continued the tradition, finding comfort in the familiar lights and sounds. Anthony would tease him, saying, “If anyone asks what you do for a living, tell them you’re a professional gambler now.” Arturo would laugh, knowing it was his second job only because he never had hobbies—just a love for good company and a good time.

What Arturo truly enjoyed most was being with people. He loved inviting family and friends out to eat, sharing meals, sharing stories, and sharing time. He called everyone individually—not out of obligation, but out of genuine care—to ask how they were doing, how their families were, and whether they needed anything. He often said he was a rich man because he had a loving family, and that kind of wealth, he believed, was something money could never buy.

There aren’t enough pages to capture all of Arturo’s stories, his jokes, or the countless ways he made people feel welcomed. He always had a smile, always opened his door, and always made space for others. The oldest of nine children, a devoted husband, and a loving father, Arturo lived a life full of connection, generosity, and heart.

As we gather to honor him, we carry our own stories—each one a piece of who he was. Share them with one another. Laugh, remember, and speak his name. Because while we will miss him deeply, he will also be missing us, watching over the family he loved so fiercely.

A visitation will be held on January 8, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm at Calvary Free Lutheran Church, located at 590 N 96th St, Mesa, AZ 85207.

The funeral service will follow on the same day, January 8, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm at the same venue.