Julio C Martinez

Julio was born on June 20, 1936, to Cesar and Blanca Estela Martinez in Palma Soriano, Cuba, near Santiago. He was raised in the nearby sugar mill town of Marcane, where his father worked as a bookkeeper. He attended elementary school in Marcane before attending La Salle, a Catholic boarding school in Santiago, where he formed lifelong friendships and developed the values of hard work, faith, and education that would guide him throughout his life and inspire future generations of his family.

After graduating from La Salle, Julio attended the University of Havana School of Dentistry, becoming the first member of his family to earn a college degree. He returned to Santiago to practice dentistry and, on Christmas Day in 1960, married the love of his life, Lilliam Grimany. Together they welcomed their son, Julio, in 1961, followed by their daughter, Lillian Maria, the following year.

As Cuba changed under communist rule, Julio and Lilliam made the difficult decision to seek freedom and a better future for their family in the United States. Because he was a dentist, Julio was not initially permitted to leave Cuba and was required to remain behind while Lilliam, their two young children, and her parents left for America. After a painful separation, he was finally able to reunite with his family in Gainesville, Florida.

Although he had already established himself as a successful dentist in Cuba, Julio could not practice in the United States without earning an American dental degree. To support his family while pursuing that dream, he washed dishes in a restaurant while Lilliam, who had been a teacher in Cuba, worked in a school cafeteria.

After meeting with the dean of the newly established University of Florida College of Dentistry, Julio was encouraged to apply to the foreign-trained dentist program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He began his studies there in 1968 and earned his American dental degree two years later. After passing his Florida dental boards, he moved his family to Orlando, where he opened his private practice and became the first Hispanic private practice dentist in Central Florida.

In 1973, Julio and Lilliam welcomed their youngest child, Marcia. Education was one of Julio’s greatest passions and one of the greatest gifts he believed a parent could give. Having sacrificed so much to build a new life in America, he believed an education was something no one could ever take away. One of his proudest accomplishments was seeing all three of his children earn college degrees and meaningful careers. His son, Julio, became an attorney; his daughter, Lillian Maria, became a nurse; and Marcia followed in his footsteps, becoming a dentist and continuing the practice he founded.

Those who knew Julio will remember his quick wit, unmistakable laugh, and larger-than-life personality. He always had a joke, a story, or a playful remark that made people laugh. He loved music, dancing, and bringing family and friends together. Julio was passionate, genuine, and never afraid to speak his mind. You always knew where you stood with him, and if he loved you, you never had to wonder.

After losing his beloved wife, Lilliam, in 2007, Julio experienced one of the greatest heartbreaks of his life. In 2013, he found love again when he married Isabel Conde, a longtime friend. Isabel cared for him with extraordinary love and devotion throughout his battle with Alzheimer’s disease, making it possible for him to remain at home, surrounded by family, until the end of his life.

Julio is survived by his beloved wife, Isabel; his children, Julio (René) Martinez and Marcia (Torry) Martinez and his son in-law Carey Stallings; his nephew, Nilo Vasallo; ten cherished grandchildren: Ryan Stallings, Alex Martinez, Jarrod Stallings, Eric Martinez, Rachel Stallings, Josiah Stallings, Allyson Martinez, Carolyn Foster, Owen Armor, Madeline Armor and six beloved great-grandchildren: Leo Martinez, Isabella Ciccio, Charlotte Foster, Henry Foster, Josie Stallings, Elenor Foster. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cesar and Blanca Estela Martinez; his sister, Magda Vasallo; his beloved first wife, Lilliam Martinez; his cherished daughter, Lillian Stallings.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association – Central and North Florida Chapter in memory of Dr. Julio C. Martinez. Contributions will help support local families affected by Alzheimer’s disease while advancing research toward better treatments and, one day, a cure.

Eulogies will begin at 11:30am with a

A Funeral Mass to follow at St. James Catholic Cathedral, 215 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, US, on July 25, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Graveside Service will take place at Chapel Hill Cemetery, 2400 HARRELL RD, ORLANDO, FL 32817, US, on July 25, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.