Augusto "Gus" Angeles Martinez

Augusto “Gus” Angeles Martinez, age 89, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on August 31, 1936, in Maragondon, Cavite, Philippines, the eldest of four children of Eladio Martinez and Teodora Ureta. Growing up during the hardships of World War II shaped him into a strong, resilient, and resourceful man—qualities that defined him throughout his life.

At a young age, Gus made a courageous decision to pursue a better future. On March 20, 1959, he joined the United States Navy and left the Philippines for the United States. He completed training at the US Navy Training Center in San Diego and served proudly aboard submarines. In 1965, he graduated as an Electrician’s Mate.

While stationed in Philadelphia, Gus met the love of his life, Rebecca Estaris Tambot. They married on March 20, 1965, beginning a partnership that lasted more than 60 years. Their life together took them across the world, including Yokosuka, Japan, where they welcomed their two children, Eleanor “Lennie” Martinez Fernandez and Eric Augusto Martinez.

In 1968, the family settled in San Diego, the place they would call home for the next 58 years. They bought their first home in Clairemont in 1970, and later moved to Rancho Peñasquitos in 1976. Gus and Rebecca became original parishioners of Our Lady of Mount Carmel—even before the church itself was built. Gus served joyfully in many ministries over the years: as a eucharistic minister, an usher, a choir member, part of the counting ministry, and an energetic contributor to countless church bazaars. Along the way, through shared faith and culture, he helped form the Sandigan group.

After 20 years of distinguished service, Gus retired from the Navy on March 27, 1979, as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. Although invited to extend his service to pursue higher rank, he chose instead to remain close to his family. He later earned his real estate license and graduated with an Associate’s degree from Palomar College. He went on to a second 20-year career as a Contract Specialist with the Naval Facilities Engineering Command at Point Loma, retiring again in 2003.

Gus lived life with energy, curiosity, and joy. His charismatic personality and infectious smile touched the hearts of everyone. He loved taking his family on adventures—amusement parks, baseball and football games, camping trips, and road trips across California, Arizona, and Nevada. He was an avid fisherman and golfer, and he filled his home with music, singing at every opportunity.

A natural leader, Gus was active in many Filipino-American organizations, including the Dagupan Association, Pangasinan Association, Filipino-American Veterans Association, Mabuhay Golf, the Parshooters Golf Club, and the Maragondon Association, where he served as president. He was well-respected for his humility, generosity, and strong community spirit.

Known for his practical skills and resourcefulness, Gus was the dependable handyman among family and friends—repairing appliances, helping with home projects, and doing his own car maintenance with pride and expertise.

Gus is survived by his devoted wife, Rebecca Martinez; his children, Eleanor “Lennie” Martinez Fernandez (Fred Fernandez Jr) and Eric Augusto Martinez (Luisa Martinez); and his beloved grandchildren, Jacqueleen Martinez Van Reyn (Brandon Van Reyn), Kaitlyn Martinez, Nicholas Fernandez, and Alexa Joy Fernandez; his siblings Hermogenes A. Martinez and Yolanda Cervana. He is also survived by extended family and many dear friends whose lives he touched with kindness and warmth.

Gus will be remembered for his love of family, his unwavering dedication, his joyful spirit, and the generous heart he shared with everyone around him. His legacy lives on through the family he built, the community he strengthened, and the countless lives made brighter by his presence.

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