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BORN
1970
DIED
2014
FUNERAL HOME
ANTONIO MARTINEZ Obituary
Father Antonio "T.J." Martinez, S.J. was called to eternal life on November 28, 2014. T.J. died at Houston Hospice from the effects of recently diagnosed stomach cancer. He was 44 years old, a Jesuit for 18 years and a priest for 7 years.
Born in San Antonio, TX May 10, 1970, he attended St. Mary's Grammar School and St. Joseph Academy in Brownsville, TX. He graduated from Boston College with a B.A. in Political Science and Communications before attending law school at the University of Texas at Austin where he earned a J.D. T.J. entered the Society of Jesus in Grand Coteau August 14, 1996. After taking vows, he earned an M.A. in Philosophy at Loyola University in Chicago (2002). He taught theology and was Director of the Community Service Program at Jesuit College Preparatory in Dallas (2002-2004), before studying theology at Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, MA (2004-2007) receiving the M.Div. and Th.M. He was ordained on June 9, 2007. After ordination, he earned the M.Ed. in School Leadership at Harvard University in 2008, where he was valedictorian and convocation speaker at the 2008 exercises of the Harvard Graduate School in Education, receiving the Intellectual Contribution/Faculty Tribute Award given by the School Leadership Program.
When the Jesuits opened Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory of Houston, Fr. Martinez was appointed in 2008 as its founding president. Although this was an unusual first assignment for a newly ordained Jesuit priest, T.J. plunged into the work with remarkable energy and enthusiasm. The extraordinary result is one of the success stories of the Cristo Rey school model, and has been documented extensively in local and national news stories.
In 2013, Fr. Martinez took a brief leave from the school to complete the final stage of his Jesuit formation in Nairobi, Kenya. Shortly after returning to Houston, T.J. was diagnosed in March 2014 with stage 4 stomach cancer. Due to the advanced stage of the disease and in order to pursue treatment options, he stepped down as President at Cristo Rey Jesuit. Treatment did not slow the advance of the cancer. T.J. received this news with courage, seeing this as yet another "mission" that he wanted to complete as well as he could in the time left to him.
He is survived by his mother and step-father, Carol and Jack Berryman, his father and step-mother, Tony and Carla Martinez, his sister, Melissa Martinez and brothers Trey and Andy Martinez.
On Monday, December 1, 2014, there will be visitation from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM at Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory, with an 8:00 PM Rosary. On Tuesday, December 2, there will be visitation from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, with the Mass of the Resurrection celebrated at 7:00 PM by the Most Reverend Joseph A. Fiorenza, Archbishop Emeritus. In T.J.'s home town of Brownsville, TX, a memorial Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Daniel Flores at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
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Memories and Condolences
for ANTONIO MARTINEZ
Sponsored by Earthman Hunters Creek Funeral Home.
December 7, 2014
We needed to express our sorrow... Such a great person
December 7, 2014
Dear Mayor Martinez,
I am so sorry for your loss. TJ was a remarkable young man! Faithful to our Lord. He was received by our Lord with the biggest abrazo in heaven.
My love condolences to you and your family.
Estela Vov Hatten
Lillian
December 5, 2014
Que triste escuchar de la perdida de un ser amado. Pero conocer la promesa biblica de que tendran la oportunidad de volver a vivir en salud perfecta aqui en la tierra nos da fuerzas para seguir luchando.
December 4, 2014
Our condolences and prayers for the Martinez family. We remember TJ well and we feel this world is a better place because he was in it. Idoluis and Toni Casares
Marty Bourgeois-Bailey
December 4, 2014
I never had the honor of knowing Father TJ, but from what I've seen and heard about him, he was truly a gift from God. I love the messages and love he shared and how his smile was so bright and infectious. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and those who knew him personally and my prayers go out for their comfort and peace.
Paquita Munoz Chavez
December 4, 2014
Toni, sintiendo profundamente la partida de un hijo tan especial, quien dio alegria y paz a todo aquel que lo conocia, ayudo a quien lo necesitaba, era tan especial que el SENOR quiso tenerlo mas cerca a EL. Desde donde el se encuentre seguira velando por toda su familia, amigos, y los que tuvieron el privilegio de conocerlo. Ahora tienen ustedes un angel en el cielo. Que Dios les de la conformidad de su partida y la tranquilidad de saber que ya ahora T.J. no esta sufriendo dolor alguno, esta dormido en la Paz del Senor.
Cynthia Garza
December 3, 2014
Our loss is heaven's gain. Hasta el cielo, Fr. T.J. Prayers for the family.
Irene Gonzalez
December 3, 2014
I will never forget you walked into walgreens and I was up front helping my friend in the front register and she was ringing you up. I told her to take good care of you as our great customer. You smiled and laughed saying "oh Irene I think you are a little bias because I'm Father Martinez! We all laughed and you told us don't work to hard and for us to have a good day! My friend said he knows your name because of you name badge...and I turned and said I'm not wearing it! She then looked at me and said so how does he know your name, I said my son goes to the school he founded and he never forgets your name! He is just genuinely that way...but you showed me that you are one of a kind! I will miss you greatly...I thank God for giving us such an amazing person!
Arge Miller
December 3, 2014
Our deepest sympathy from the Miller Family
Kevin SJA
December 2, 2014
TJ....Teeej,
We attended school together at St. Paul's Episcopal Missionary Church back in the early 70's, from 3K to 4K on Taft Street in "The Barrio", of Brownsville Texas. Even then, a great guy. Fun and funny. I don't remember much from my childhood.. but I remember you.
Again, we were in school together. This time in Jr. and Senior High at SJA.
We were both involved in different activities but we still said, "Hi!"
Graduated... went our different ways. Like most of my past friends, I didn't stay in in contact with you. I never really thought about you much, but hoped your were happy and OK.
I heard that you were sick earlier this year. Some of our fellow graduates and friends told me that you were battling cancer and of course, I was concerned. I was also too busy to give it much more thought than a simple prayer. Please help him, Lord.
Well, we know the rest.
I want for you, TJ, to know.... that today, at the Episcopal Day School, in Brownsville, Tx., I read your biography to the children.
We spoke about all of your INCREDIBLE AND AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENTS, inspired by The Creator. Our Lord, Jesus Christ. The children were very, very quiet. They listened intently. I asked them to look around at the kids sitting next to them because... you never know when you might be surrounded by greatness!? I believe that you, Teej, saw greatness all around you. You see what's broken.. and fix it. You have the Heart of Love. You are a disciple of Christ.
John 15:15 The Word of Jesus
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
TJ...you cannot come back to us, but we can go to you. With The Father, through The Blood of The Savior.
Matthew 25:21
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
We are very proud of you. Well done, my friend. Well done.
Patricia Green
December 2, 2014
"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." - Pericles Father Martinez has woven so much FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE into the lives of so many!!! His legacy will live on in the lives he touched. What an awesome, inspiring young man he was! He was one of God's blessings to so many!
Pete & Nerissa Maldonado
December 2, 2014
We were very fortunate to have met Father TJ at CRJ. He was simply an amazing person! His smile was infectious! He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Father TJ's family.
Jorge flores
December 1, 2014
May God bless T.J's soul. I was fortunate and honored to hear a rosary that he conducted a couple of months ago, in honor of his Aunt who passed in Harlingen,Tx. That was a blessing for me. What an exceptional career and his many accomplishments, in such a short time.
Baldemar Torres
December 1, 2014
Martinez & Berryman Family: You are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish to extend my deepest condolences and I am deeply saddened at Father TJ's passing. May God bless you and keep you strong during this time of grieving.
December 1, 2014
Martinez Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. TJ was an incredible individual and a wonderful friend. Please know he and you are in my prayers. I know that he will be welcomed in Heaven with open arms and I pray that God will give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Jenny Lehmann Hall
abraham rodriguez
December 1, 2014
my deepest condolences may GOD BLESS you all my friends.
December 1, 2014
My dear Tony, I really don't have words at the loss of your beloved TJ. I am so sorry, I lost my BK in January, so all I can say is you are in my heart and TJ was in my daily prayers. Linda Yanez
December 1, 2014
Que dios lo tenga a su lado y mi sincero pesame a toda la familia Martinez. Todos ustedes; papas, hermanos, famialia que tengan su resignacion y armonia en este momento dificil, duro y triste pero deben de estar orgullosos de sus logros y mas que nada que fue un representante de dios. Que dios los bendiga a todos ustedes. Alfonso Vallejo
Joan Freeman Barry
December 1, 2014
May the Lord comfort and bless the Martinez family, the Jesuits and everyone who benefited from the gift of Father TJ.
Celina Blackmon
November 30, 2014
Dear Martinez Family,
Please find solace and peace, in the fact that he is in heaven. We will see him again! He is singing in the choir of angels! May God bless your family always!
Celina Blackmon
November 30, 2014
Dear Martinez Family,
Please find solace and peace, in the fact that he is in heaven. We will see him again! He is singing in the choir of angels! May God bless your family always!
Aura Cruz
November 30, 2014
My condolences to the Martinez family. Heaven has gained an energetic angel. I didn't meet him personally but his energy was contagious. Let his legacy and vision live on for the CRISTO REY Community.
The Cruz-Figueroa Family, Houston, Tx.
Gale & Cindi Saltzgiver
November 30, 2014
I met TJ when he performed a mass at St. Joe for the 20 year reunion of the class of 1989. The reunion and mass were dedicated to our daughter, Kristin Saltzgiver Safran who died in an airplane crash in Feb. 2009. TJ warmed my heart with his compassion and his spirit. I do not know why God called him so soon, but I do know that heaven is now rejoicing because he is there. Our deepest condolences to all of the Martinez family.
Anthony & Kelli Mattacchione
November 30, 2014
Heaven has gained another Angel in TJ!
jaime cortez
November 30, 2014
I feel for the family but heaven is his new home the lord house I will see you there!
Patrice McArdle Resendez
November 30, 2014
My deepest condolences to the Martinez family. What a blessing to have had a son who served The Lord so closely while here on earth. God has a greater plan for T.J. God calls those with compassionate and humble hearts to him. I remember learning that he became a priest and feeling such a sense of joy for him. Heaven has gained a beautiful and pure soul in Father T.J.
With love,
Patrice McArdle Resendez and family
Milo Brown
November 30, 2014
TJ,
The Brown family misses you more than you can know. We know you've gone to your eternal reward, even if we don't understand why that had to come so soon.
Papa Bear, please continue to look over Baby Bear now and forever.
Paula Burrows née McArdle
November 30, 2014
TJ had a beautiful, generous spirit in his youth. I see that he grew in joy and faith over the years. We commend TJ to Jesus, and send our condolences to the Martinez and Berryman families. Love, the McArdle family
C Lightfoot
November 30, 2014
May the God of comfort be with your family during this time of sorrow Psalms 119:76.
Stephen & Allison Lewis
November 30, 2014
Father Martinez was a gift from God to our community. All who met him are blessed.
Barry S. Bertin
November 30, 2014
Sincere condolences to his loving Family. I've admired Father Martinez over the last several years for his energy, drive and boundless enthusiasim. When I think of all he could have accomplished it's heartbreaking but I'm thankful for all the good that he did. God just needed his help more. RIP Father.
Sister Irma Gonzalez
November 29, 2014
Receive our heartfelt condolences. TJ, you and all of the family are in our prayers. Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, Brownsville.
Ray Sylvester
November 29, 2014
Like a Roman candle Father T.J. exploded onto the Houston scene dispensing his balls of energy and light to many youth and corporate leaders in our community. He accomplished much in his short time with us and he will leave a lasting legacy. The interactions I had with him always left me happy, hopeful and full of joy. He was a warm and gentle soul who will truly be missed by all who were privileged to have known him.
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