Jose Luis Martinez

1961 - 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce that our beloved partner, father, brother, uncle, and friend, Jose Luis Martinez, 62, of Broad Brook, CT passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at his home. Born on May 12, 1961 in Caguas, Puerto Rico, son of the late Julia and Bruno Martinez he spent most of his childhood growing up in Hartford along with his five siblings. As a young adult, he served in the U.S Army from 1981-1985 and was the recipient of a Certificate of Achievement prior to his honorable discharge as a Sergeant. After serving his country, he returned home to Connecticut where he raised his pride and joy, his only son Isaac, with Zoraida Martinez. Most of all, Jose will be remembered for always lending a helping hand to anyone in need. There wasn't anything that he wouldn't attempt to fix and figure out. These skills and willingness to serve others will live on through his son, Isaac. In his spare time, Jose loved spending his free time in the great outdoors. He enjoyed any water-related activity including fishing, boating, and swimming. He also had a special love for animals. For the past 12 years, Jose resided in Broad Brook where he lived with his significant other, Vernette Townsend. He was not only loved by his partner in life Vernette with whom he shared a very special bond, but was also loved by all their neighbors with whom he enjoyed chatting and helping with household projects when he was able. Having grown up in the city, Jose loved living in a more rural area where he quickly adapted and grew an impressive vegetable garden. Jose was a devout Catholic throughout his life and was a faithful parishioner of St. Justin- St. Michael Parish on Blue Hills Avenue in Hartford. His faith led him to join the Knights of Peter Claver Council #311 in Hartford where he volunteered on numerous projects to support his parish and the community. Jose leaves behind his beloved partner in life, Vernette Townsend; his son, Isaac Martinez and wife Kristen; two stepdaughters whom he loved dearly, Christina Soutar and her fiancé Shawn Vassell and Melissa Soutar and her partner Rashad Daire; four siblings, Lisa Freitas and her husband Joe, Maribel Martinez, Angel Martinez, and Brenda Vazquez; six incredibly special grandchildren whom he wholeheartedly enjoyed spending time with, London and Sienna Martinez, Caleb, Cheyana and Cairo Vassell, and Ruby Daire; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Carmen Martinez. His family will receive friends on Saturday, September 2, 10-11 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 11 a.m., at St. Justin-St. Michael Parish, 230 Blue Hills Ave., Hartford. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Jose's kind and patient nature touched all who knew him. The family ask's that you keep his memory alive by continuing to share the stories you have of him and to give people a little extra grace as he would have done. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Justin-St. Michael Parish, Attn: Repair & Restoration Fund, 230 Blue Hills Ave., Hartford, CT 06112. The family has entrusted the Carmon Windsor Funeral Home with the arrangements. For online condolences please visit, www.carmonfuneralhome.com.