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Stephen Martinez Obituary
Steve, as he was known to his friends, was born in Santa Monica on Dec. 26, 1950 and was a proud lifelong resident. He was a graduate of Santa Monica High School and received bachelor's degrees in Mexican-American studies and psychology at Cal State Dominguez Hills, as well as a master's degree in educational administration from Cal State L.A.
After working as an elementary bilingual teacher in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, Steve served as an administrator at Culver City Middle School, where he was assistant principal. He was then named principal at Farragut Elementary and El Marino Language School. At El Marino, he established California's first multilanguage total immersion school in 1994. He later was principal of the Edison Language Academy in Santa Monica, director of the adult education center in Santa Monica and house principal at Santa Monica High School.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Mary Martinez, and his niece, Tammy Chamberlain. He is survived by his sister, Eve, his brother Michael, his nephew Matthew, his grand niece Eliana and grand nephew James and numerous cousins.
A celebration of life is pending.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Martinez
Ruben Martinez
January 7, 2025
My cousin Steve was a kind soul whose calm voice always put me at ease. Whenever he entered a room you could feel his warmth, which radiated from his heart. Soft spoken and a great listener, he aways made me feel like I had something to offer the world even when I thought I didn't. Steve had that rare quality of making everybody he met feel special. It's sad that there are more people with his gift.
Mina Martinez
January 3, 2025
Steve was a loving and full of wisdom gentleman with much to offer his students. We all loved him
May he rest in peace in the light and may his memory be eternal.
Lovingly, Prima Mina Martinez
Gilbert & Mina Martinez
January 2, 2025
Dear Michael, Eve and families.
We are very sorry to learn of your Beloved Brother Steve´s passing. With heartfelt sympathy amidst the darkness of loss felt by love remembered.
Take comfort in the memories he left behind for all of you. The people we love never die, they go from living WITH us to living IN us, remembering their legacy and never forgetting them.
Over the years, I learned Steve worked with and knew two of my closest family members Tia Solveig Villicaña (ESL Bilingual Educator) and prima Xóchitl Villicaña Cronkhite (Bilingual Translator Services) during their educational journey with elementary and college students in the Santa Mónica-Malibu Unified School District. Our primo Steve would stay in touch with us by calling every year to tag up on how we´re doing in his very refined decorum and eloquent style even up to the end of October 2024.
Querida Familia Martínez.
Pensando en Ustedes con sinceras condolencias. Nuestro amado Steve ya está en un `maravilloso´ viaje con Dios.
Acompañándoles en su profunda pena, compartiendo su dolor y deséandoles fortaleza y consuelo.
Descanse En Paz. Steve
In Friendship & Sympathy,
Gilbert & Mina Martinez and Daughters Alina & Liana and Granddaughters Angelina & Isabella
Rebecca
November 28, 2024
My cousin Stephen led his life with a kind and caring heart, he always wanted to help people and make a connection - even if it were just to offer a wide smile and acknowledge a persons presence. He continued to give of himself through his profession as an educator and devoted his life to his family and friends. He will forever be remembered for his love of humor and being a peace maker. May he rest in peace. amen.
Paul Torres
November 28, 2024
Love and prayers to Stephen Martinez family and friends also God bless you to Stephen Martinez family and friends also I love my friend Stephen Martinez forever very much also I miss my friend Stephen Martinez forever very much also Rest In Peace. Amen.
Your best friend Paul Torres
P. S. Paul and Stephen are best friends forever very much.
Jack Simpson
November 28, 2024
My sincere condolences to Steve's family and friends.
November 28, 2024
Rarely in life does an opportunity come by for 2 older men to meet and have a meaningful relationship. Steve and I were fortunate in that way. We were a gift to each other...He was a gentile, kind, and compassionate man who I will miss tremendously...Rest in Peace my dear friend.
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