Richard Martin passed away November 2, 2026, at 9:44 a.m. in his home surrounded by a few of his favorite people. He was born on August 25, 1938, and ran the streets of a small country town his family owned called Descombros, located in Central America. His home was the town grocery store and post office.
He married the love of his life, Ruth Said, in 1957, and moved to the United States (New Orleans) in the early 1960’s. They had three children, Ricky, Nancy, and Peter. He was a loving, caring and full-of-fun father, he adored his grandchildren, Richie, Brandie (Victor), Ryan (Kelly), Jacob, Brittani (Anthony), Bryce (Ashley), Julia, and Natalie. His love grew even stronger when the great grandchildren arrived, Emilee, Ashlynn, Hailee, Ryan Jr., Angelina, Hayden, Addison, Noah, Kye, Baylee, Laynee, Caleb, Josiah, and Hazel Jane who he lovingly called “Ethel.”
For over 40 years, he worked for Simmons Plating, prior to taking over the business and re-naming it “Richard’s Plating”. He later retired, had to find “something to do” and started delivering meals to the elderly for Jefferson Council on Aging. His favorite pastime was driving his grandchildren around.
He is survived by his children, Richard Martin Jr. and Nancy J. Martin; his siblings, Charles A. Martin (Mirtha), Oneida M. Panayotti (Roberto), and Roberto Martin (Kumi), and preceded in death, by his beloved wife Ruth S. Martin, son Peter R. Martin, father and mother Miguel M. & Juanita S. Martin, sister Nellie M. Morataya, brother Raul “Tito” Martin, etc.
He never met a stranger and made those he knew FRIENDS!
Family and friends, please join us in celebrating his life on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70124. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a Memorial Mass to follow at 1:00 pm. Interment will take place in Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum. To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
