Husband
Father
Grandfather
Father-in-law
Brother
Brother-in-law
Uncle
Cousin
Godfather
Veteran: 82nd Airborne
Master brick mason
Union official
Apprenticeship standards
Volunteer at church: Our Lady of the Rosary—Martin designed and built the Cathedral sign in front of church
Volunteer at schools: Holy Rosary Academy and Aquinas High School
Golfer
49er Fan
John Grisham enthusiast
Friend to many
Simple facts of his life cannot do justice for Martin Flores. He was a man with passion, honesty and respect for others. He demonstrated respect for others in everyday situations; whether it was a waitress or an executive. If you asked him a question you needed to be prepared for an honest, unpolished answer. Respect was something that one earned from Martin.
Martin was man of contradictions. His sometimes prickly exterior masked a warm and loving heart. Children always saw through his shield. When his grandson Mario was born there was a spark in Martin’s eye that never dimmed. From pre-school through college he was involved in his grandson’s life and Mario’s friends universally referred to him as Grandpa.
Martin had to drop out of school to help his family but became a well-educated man by learning from every experience in his life. Whether it be picking fruit and vegetables, jumping out of airplanes as a paratrooper (82nd Airborne), amateur boxer, or becoming a master brick mason, people surrounding Martin recognized that he was becoming a deep-well of knowledge. The State of California recognized his self-generated “Master of Life Degree” when he was selected to lead apprenticeship programs.
Martin is survived by his wife of 67 years, Candelaria, son Martin, daughter Monica, grandson Mario, son-in-law Doug Kroon, sisters Rosalie Lujan and Esther Meraz as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and godchildren. Martin was greeted in heaven by parents Jesus and Amalia Flores, brother Jess Flores, sisters Emily Vasquez and Cecilia Flores.
“We’ll catch you later!”
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