PEDRO MARTINEZ

1933 - 2024

PEDRO C. MARTINEZ

May 14, 1933 – June 20, 2024

Pedro C. Martinez, 91, of Brawley, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2024, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Pedro was born on May 14, 1933, in Brawley, California.

After graduating from Brawley Union High School, he served in the U.S. Army, where he was given the opportunity to be a background actor in the Audie Murphy movie To Hell and Back. On July 25, 1959, he married the love of his life, Victoria Guzman, at Saint Margaret Mary Church, the same church where he served as an altar boy in his childhood. In their 65 years of marriage, Pedro and Victoria spent these joyful days raising their family and enjoying every moment with each other. Pedro worked for Brawley Elementary School District as a custodian and bus driver for 35 years. He is remembered fondly by students for his kind disposition and sense of humor. Throughout his life, he enjoyed fishing and tending to his yard and garden. As a father and grandfather, Pedro always stressed the importance of education, and he also worked hard to make not only holidays but every day memorable for his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicolas and Maria Martinez, and sisters, Lena Corona and Amelia Armenta. Pedro is survived by his wife, Victoria Martinez; children, Peter (Esther) Martinez, Nick (Julia) Martinez, Leticia (Gabriel) Reyes, Victor (Armida) Martinez, Inez (Michael) Hayden; 12 grandchildren; and brother, Raymond Martinez.

The viewing will be held on July 12, 2024, at 8 a.m., with Rosary to follow at 9 a.m., at Frye Chapel and Mortuary in Brawley. Mass will follow at 10 a.m. at Saint Margaret Mary Church in Brawley, followed by graveside service at Riverview Cemetery.