Michael John Martinez

1951 - 2021

Michael John Martinez of Flagstaff, Arizona joined our Lord in heaven on August 6, 2021 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Michael was born June 12, 1951 in Cottonwood, Arizona to Michael and Emeline Martinez, eldest of ten siblings. He attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School, then attended St. Lucians High School seminary in Amarillo, Texas before returning to Flagstaff High School to graduate with the senior class of 1969. Michael attended Conception Seminary College in Conception, Missouri where he graduated at the top of his class with a double major in Philosophy and Behavioral Science. Afterwards he was awarded a full scholarship, residing at North American College in Rome, Italy attending Pontifical Gregorian University where he received a degree in Sacred Theology in 1976.

Michael was ordained a Catholic priest in August of 1977. His parishes included Saint Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Flagstaff and Saint Germaine Catholic Church in Prescott Valley.

Michael left the active ministry in 1986 but never left his calling of serving God and serving God's people. He earned a Master of Science Degree in Counseling from Chapman University in 1999. He was involved in community mental health education and counseling prior to finding his second vocation at Donor Network.

Michael dedicated his life and talents in helping to save lives through organ, eye and tissue donation as a director of Donor and Family Advocate Services for Donor Network of Arizona. In his 17 years at Donor Network, he touched thousands of lives through his counseling, listening and loving the families who had to face the tragic loss of their loved ones, assuring them that their loss contributed to the life of a needy donor-recipient if they desired.

Michael married the "love of his life," Robin Kozma, on November 30, 1996. He is survived by Robin, his daughters Nicole and Keegan, sons Adam and CJ, granddaughters Taylor, Caitlin, Grace, AnaLucia, Lily, and Ava, and grandsons Ethan, Mateo and Cruz. He is survived by his mother, Emeline, and siblings Mary Ann, Teresa, Cathy, Laura, Faith, Joanie, Thomas, Rita and Peter, and many beloved cousins, nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Osle Martinez.

A viewing and rosary will be held on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at 5 pm at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary and Cemetery at 6500 E. Bell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 11 am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church at 10815 N. 84th St. Scottsdale, AZ. In lieu of flowers donations to St Vincent de Paul in Michael's name are appreciated.