Raymond Martinez

Raymond Anthony Martinez, devoted father, husband, and grandfather, and man of quiet dignity and strength, passed away July 16th, 2025 at age 91. He entered the afterlife with loved ones by his side. Not alone. 

Born November 13th, 1933, in East Los Angeles, to Manuella and Eulalio Martinez, Ray spent his life in Southern California and called Montebello home. The oldest of three boys, Ray was raised in the Catholic tradition and attended Catholic school from 1st grade through high school. Growing up in the Great Depression, Ray had a tough childhood that he remembered fondly in telling stories of his youth. Ray attended Cantwell High School in Montebello, where he developed a deep sense of service, faith and family that would become core to his life and the man he was. A parishioner at St. Benedict, Ray raised his own family in the catholic faith and demonstrated in his example, as a man, how important faith is in raising a family.

 An excellent example of the “Silent Generation” Ray had a wide ranging and fulfilling career that exemplified hard work. A truly patriotic American, he fought for the US Army in Korea during the Korean War. He worked in Death Valley for a mining operation and worked several other jobs. However, Ray was first and foremost an educator. Loved by children and animals, Ray taught elementary-age math and ultimately became an administrator for the LAUSD over an illustrious 40-year career. Hard-work was a core value in Ray’s life and his children are proud witnesses to his life’s work.

 An avid sports fan, Ray loved the Dodgers, Lakers, and LA Rams. Jackie Robinson was his favorite athlete of all time. When the Dodgers moved from Brooklyn to LA, it was among his happiest moments as a fan. As a graduate of Cal State Los Angeles Ray also cheered for both UCLA and USC without the usual bitterness fans of one school hold for the other. But most of all, Ray loved local high school sports. He attended countless Southern California football, baseball, and basketball games and witnessed the earliest moments of some of the greatest athletes ever to play. 

Ray loved his family and never left them wanting for anything. As a father, he was disciplined but warm and kind. Always with wisdom to offer and as an avid reader, Ray maintained an ever-surprising knowledge on a broad range of topics. As a husband, he was devoted and loving. He is survived by his wife Susie, children Norma, Raymond Jr., and Amanda, and 6 grandchildren.