Roberto Ortiz Martinez

Roberto O. Martinez went home to his Lord and Savior on May 3, 2026. Roberto was born in Ozona, Texas on May 9, 1938 to loving parents, Samuel Luna Martinez and Juanita Ortiz Martinez, who filled his childhood with warmth, guidance and quiet strength. From his parents, he learned the values of compassion, honesty, and a strong work ethic. During those early years, he developed the values that would guide him throughout his life, with an unwavering dedication to family and community. Growing up in Ozona, he spent his early childhood surrounded by the love of his family and the companionship of his five siblings. Together, they shared a close bond built on faith, love, laughter, and the simple joys of small-town life. The closeness they shared was passed down to subsequent generations, creating a strong bond that continues to this day.

In his high school years, he and his brother were proud to be Ozona Lions, playing football, basketball and running track. He loved to tell about the times under the Friday night lights, when he played quarterback and his older brother was the running back and the announcer could frequently be heard saying “Martinez to Martinez… TOUCHDOWN!”

As much as he loved Ozona, his desire to further his education led him to Texas A&M University where he became a lifelong Aggie. He graduated in 1960 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S Army and continued his service in the National Guard. In 1965, he earned a masters degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas. He always proudly wore his Aggie class ring and frequently wore an Aggie cap which allowed him to meet and strike up conversations with fellow aggies of all ages, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

In July of 1963, he married the love of his life, Alicia Hinojosa. Together they built a life and created a loving home, centered on their faith in God, family and community. They enjoyed life together and especially loved to travel with friends and family.

Roberto was very proud of being a devoted and supportive husband and father to his four children. He believed that being present for his wife and children was one of the greatest responsibilities and blessings a man could have. He worked tirelessly to provide not only for their needs, but also to give them guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love. Roberto instilled in his children the values of hard work, integrity, faith, and compassion for others.

Roberto worked for the Department of Transportation as an Engineer/Urban planner from 1961 to 1964. He was employed as an engineer with the U.S. Air Force at Bergstrom Air Force Base from 1964 to 1975. He then worked as a Project Manager with the U.S. Department of Commerce/EDA from 1975 to 1980. Roberto accomplished a successful career in engineering and was most proud of partnering with Michael Wright and creating their own consulting firm, Martinez and Wright Engineers in 1980. During those years he was recognized as Hispanic Businessman of the Year, Engineer of the Year and MWM was named Small Business of the Year. Founded on honesty and integrity, their business continues to thrive 46 years later, embracing several name changes along the way, including Martinez Wright & Mendez, Inc. and MWM Design Group.

Serving others and his community was a cornerstone of his life. He spent countless hours volunteering with numerous organizations. Some of the most important to him were the City of Austin Summer Youth Program, Austin Founders Lions Club, Hispanic Boy Scout Committee, Capital IDEA, Austin Interfaith, City of Austin-DSMBR, Austin Community Rain Gardens, and Texas International Misioneros de Cristo. He was inducted into the Austin Hispanic Hall of Fame as a Lifetime Achiever in 2024.

Roberto’s faith and desire to serve led him to be ordained as a deacon for the Diocese of Austin in 1998 serving at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He felt honored to serve the Lord and his community through his involvement in various church ministries, fostering meaningful connections with parishioners. He was especially dedicated to the Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) men’s and women’s retreats as he often shared how powerful and life changing the retreats can be.

Of all the accomplishments he achieved, his greatest source of pride and joy was his family. Together with Alicia, he devoted time and support to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He never missed a birthday party, sporting/school event, graduation, or even a simple dinner or family game night. His unique relationships with each of them was cherished. Roberto lived life to the fullest until his final day. He remained active, enjoying Tai Chi, daily mass, volunteering, doing puzzles, watching the Spurs and Aggies, and he never missed an opportunity to enjoy a good meal with friends and family.

His light, laughter, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all those he touched and he will be forever missed.

He is survived by his children Norma (Jose), Yvonne (Greg), Robert, and Lizette; nine grandchildren Ciera (Melissa), Adam (Abby), Jacob (Marnay), Jose Andres (Peyton), Daniel, Miranda, Giana, Joshua, and Alyssa; and six great-grandchildren Grace, Livia, Noah, Elijah, Everett, and Macie; sisters Yvonne (George), Sandra (Sammy), and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Alicia, his grandson, Miles, his parents, and three siblings (Maria, Sam, and Delma).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to:

TEXAS INTERNACIONAL MISIONEROS DE CRISTO

428a Hermosa Paloma

Wimberley, TX 78676

Or

Sacred Heart St. Vincent de Paul Society at https://abundant.co/sacredheartaustin/give.

Select St. Vincent de Paul under ‘Fund’.