FRANCISCO JAVIER MARTIJA

1954 - 2017

Francisco Javier Martija, 62, of Milford, CT, passed away on July 18, 2017 from injuries sustained in a tragic workplace accident. Born in Guernica (Ajanguiz), Spain, August 26, 1954, he was the son of the late Modesta Pertica and Roman Martija. Francisco enjoyed a successful career as a Jai-Alai player. He played in Florida, Bridgeport and Milford frontons. Upon his retirement from Jai Alai, Francisco went on to study Auto Cad and HVAC. His second career, as a maintenance mechanic, was spent at Property Group Partners in Wilton, CT. Francisco enjoyed spending time with his loving daughter, his cherished grandchildren, and his lifetime partner , Terry , as well as, all his friends. Francisco was a proud and humble Basque man, who treasured the simple things in life. Among these things were his garden, hiking at Sleeping Giant, spending his vacations at his family farm in Ajanguiz, Spain with his family and friends, listening to the music of The Who and Pink Floyd and any western movies. Francisco enjoyed making paella for his family and friends for every occasion. All would attest to the fact that he was a Master Paella chef. Francisco is survived by his loving daughter, Elena Michelle Obymachow, his most precious grandchildren, Andrew Martija and Savannah Obymachow and his life partner and love, Theresa Recalde. He is also survived by his sister, Concepcion "Conchi" Martija and his brothers, Pablo "Pauli" and Jose Antonio Martija and many nieces and nephews and extended family. We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the nursing staff in the YNHH Surgical ICU (7th Fl. South Pav.) for the professionalism, care and compassion that you showed to Francisco and our family. We also want to send a special thank you to all of Marti's friends and their families at PGP for their love and support and to all our friends and family for their prayers and comfort. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, an education fund has been set up. https://www.youcaring.com/andrewmartijaandsavannahobymachow-883196