He married his teenage sweetheart, Victoria in 1978 in Las Vegas, NV. Shortly after their marriage, Phillip, Victoria, and their newborn son, Phillip Jr. left for Germany where Phil served in the Army for three years where they were blessed with another son, Patrick. During this time they traveled to Switzerland, Holland, and Belgium. After his service in the Army he enlisted in the National Guard for a year and the family moved back to California where shortly thereafter Dennis was born.
Through his work as an Electrical & Instrumentation Technician, Phillip traveled throughout Europe including: the Czech Republic, England, and France. Victoria, and their youngest sons, Bobby and Emilio later joined Phillip traveling to Belgium, France, Holland, and Mexico. The family returned to Riverside, CA in 2002 where he owned and operated Pacific West Electric for many years.
Phillip enjoyed working on and entering his vintage vehicles in local car shows. His vehicles include: 65’ Malibu, 47’ Chevy truck, 82’ El Camino, 72’ Monte Carlo, and a 51’ GMC truck. The most recent addition included a 2006 Harley Davidson soft tail. He enjoyed taking Victoria for cruises on his bike with family and friends.
He was an avid firearm enthusiast, spending time recreational shooting at the range with his sons and grandchildren. He took great pride in his health and had a love for lifting weights and body building. He spent countless hours perfecting his garden, teaching his boys to be proud of their home. Most of all he enjoyed grilling for his family and friends, laughing and telling jokes.
Phillip was a devoted Christian and member of Harvest Church in Riverside, CA. He donated to church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Ivan’s Choice Leukemia Foundation where this year he exceeded his birthday goal of $500 in lieu of gifts.
He was the dearest father of Phillip Martinez Jr., Patrick Martinez (Maria), Dennis Martinez (Jessica), Bobby Martinez (Jessica), and Emilio Martinez; beloved Grandpa to Patricia Martinez, Patrick Martinez Jr., Anthony Martinez, Alexcia Martinez, Mariah Martinez, Anabelle Martinez, Elijah Martinez, Sariah Martinez, Gabriel Martinez, Michael Martinez, and Victoria Martinez.
He was preceded in death by his father Albert G. Martinez, mother Grace B. Martinez, and brother Bobby Martinez. He is survived by his sister Linda Moreno (Moi), and brothers Albert Martinez Jr. (Eloisa), Dennis Martinez (Sandra), and Abel Martinez (Lisa).
We are blessed for the many years God gave Phillip to us. May he rest in peace with the Lord and all his beloved who have gone before us. Phillip left his mark in the hearts of those that knew him with his willingness to help others. If someone needed help, he did not hesitate. He was always there when you needed him.
Everyone had a friend in Phil. 13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen [a]asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who [b]sleep in Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
A visitation for Phillip will be held Wednesday, July 25, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, 7944 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, California 92504.
A Celebration of Life Service will occur Thursday, July 26, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Harvest Christian Fellowship, 6115 Arlington Avenue, Riverside, California 92504.
A committal service will occur Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 12:15 PM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, California 92518.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AchesonandGraham.com for the Martinez family.
