Martin Perez Gatica Jr.

On January 21st, 1942, Martin Gatica Jr. was born to Martin “Papo Mart” Sr. and Angelita Gatica.

He was one of many children, born in a small but loving home in the westside of San Antonio, Texas. This home and the home on Morelia ended up being his forever home. They were the foundation of numerous family gatherings and memories for many generations to come.

Martin was known by many names given to him by his close friends and family; “El Flaco”, “Junie", “Martin Battery”, “Tito” and “Mr. Mart” just to name a few.

Junie developed an impressive personality consisting of loyalty and tremendous respect for his family and friends steming from his early years. He believed in the power of faith, prayer, forgiving often and loving intensely.

One of his top priorities was tending to his parents' needs. He respected his parents to the fullest; as his love for them was unmeasurable.

His siblings were also very special to him; while he always made sure to be there for them throughout life's moments. Martin was an important factor to his family.

He grew to know and love the “Oldies but Goodies”. He proclaimed that they would always make him feel young again. Martin enjoyed dancing and listening to the oldies with his friends and family. "Just Because", "Try Me", "Talk to me","Why ...Why" and "Earth Angel" were a few of his many favorite songs! Martin attended Edgewood Elementary, Edgewood Junior High and Edgewood High School. He had numerous friends he made in El Charco to other colonias throughout the westside and through out San Antonio.

During high school; he and his family would travel to Indiana and other areas as migrant workers in the cotton, tomato, beets and cherry fields during harvesting season for a couple of years. When they returned to San Antonio; his father felt it was important for him to complete high school. Martin would proudly graduated Edgewood High School in 1962. He was very proud to let people know he was a Red Raider! His father vocalized the importance of being an educated chicano; inwhich, he later carried on to his own children.

With the use of his dad's 1953 Chevy flatbed and his own 1975 Chevy pickup; Martin got the work done that would put food on the table and clothes on his family's back. He would work in many professions throughout his life. He was a carpenter with his best friend Louis Santos “El Coy”; along with his friends Alex Santos, Wedo, Nacho Mandujano and Tony Delgado “El Morro”. Martin would work along with his father and others to clean out HEB stores at days end and collect pallets for resale. He was a dog groomer and worked at a carwash while living in southern California. Little side hustles were just his thing.

During the 1960’s he moved to California for a few years with his sister Eloise where they would travel up and down the coast.

Later in life, Martin found a long-term career in the meatpacking industry; while working for Swift as a butcher for 16 years. He took pride in the hard work he put in; knowing that he would provide for his family he truly enjoyed taking care of his loved ones. Martin would always preach the importance of hard work, responsibilities and the love of God.

In 1971 Martin met his wife Felipa Diaz through his sister's cleaning service, “The Four Sisters Cleaning Co.,” where she worked. His sisters introduced them and the rest became history! On June 6, 1971, Martin and Felipa married and stayed together for 50 beautiful years!

Between 1971 and 1981, Martin and Felipa gave life to 4 beautiful children; Ellie, Mary Jane, Jennifer, and Martin III “Marty.”

In 2002 Martin worked for L&H packing company where he retired ;while working as a maintenance mechanic at the age of 60. Martin became readily available to all his grandchildren; creating many beautiful memories with them! He attended sporting events, award ceremonies and other activities. He was a very proud grandfather and celebrated every one of his grandchildren’s achievements.

Martin took on multiple supportive roles. A brother, best friend, confidant, a wonderful father, grandfather and husband. He would create friendships everywhere he went! Martin would captivate people’s attention while telling stories with an exquisite memory. If you were blessed enough to hear one of his stories; you know what we are talking about. He knew every detail from exact dates, makes of automobiles and the first & last names of people in the stories over 50 years ago! Detail to detail; Martin remembered everything and was truly the best storyteller.

Martin enjoyed the outdoors, always taking family trips to rivers and the beach. Corpus, Concan, and the Frio River were some of his favorite spots! BBQ'n rain or shine was an essential way of life for him and his family. He would sometimes BBQ seven days a week!

Throughout the years; Martin would continue to have strong faith through the ups and downs that life gave him. Overcoming prostate cancer in 2017; he has taught us how to fight through some of the most challenging moments of life. He always saw the silver lining in the clouds.

His advice was endless; some of the most notable were: always striving to be the best, never giving up, always pray, forgive, love immensely and always being loyal to family and friends. Like his father; Martin would always push the importance of finishing what you star. Emphasizing that hard work was essential to get what you want out of life; while stating, "Que nunca te falta nada."

As the saying goes, behind every Great Man; there is an equally Great Woman. That was Felipa (his wife); who was by his side from beginning to end. The love Martin and Felipa shared will always be sacred, as their hearts will forever beat as one. Their relationship was built upon love, trust, forgiveness, faith, hope and the blessings of God.

Martin Gatica’s legacy will remain in our hearts and memories forever. You were truly a gift to have in our lives.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Angelita Gatica; siblings, Virginia "Virgie", Ignacio "Pecas", Angelita "Angie"(Tim), Pedro "Pete" (Minnie), Gloria Araiza, Lorenzo "Lore" Sr. (Margie).

He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 50 years Felipa. Loving father of Elouise "Ellie" (Carlos "Charlie"), Mary Jane (Terrence "Jackson"), Jennifer (Fernando, Jr.), Martin "Marty" III. Blessed grandfather "Papo" to Chanel (Amy), Khristine "Tina" (Christopher), Fernando "Nano" III (Jenna), Nathaniel "Natie Boy", Joshua "Spanky", Cristian, Analeigh "Lilly", Julissa "Julz", Mason Josiah; and siblings, Petra, Martina (Albert), Eloise, Carolina and Mario Sr. (Mary).

“The Nights Still Young!”- Junie