Leonardo Raygoza Martinez

Leonardo Raygoza Martinez

May 25, 1923 - Aug. 28, 2015

Visalia

Sadly we mourn the passing of our father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Leonardo Martinez Sr., 92. Don Leon, as he was known, was preceded in death by wife, Juanita Martinez and son, John Martinez. He is survived by; daughters, Anita Martinez-Tinker, Mary Martinez-Lui, and Linda Avila, and sons, Lucio Martinez, Leonardo Martinez Jr., and Jaime Martinez. He is also survived by, 2 sisters and 4 brothers. His many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the neighborhood children who also called him grandpa, will miss him dearly. He was a pillar of the community and was loved and respected by all his neighbors, who became like a second family to him. Leonardo was born in Bolaños, Mexico. He immigrated to California when he was 15, and settled in Visalia in 1949. A goal oriented person, he told his wife when they married that he wanted to start a large family, buy a house and then buy a new car, in that order. He did that and then some, buying 3 houses, sending 3 of his 7 children to college and buying his cars in "the year they were made". He was employed at Martin Ranch and later became a successful labor contractor. Visitation will be held at 4 PM till 6 PM on Wednesday September 2, 2015 at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel. A rosary will be prayed at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, 9/2/15, at 6:00 PM. A mass of Christian burial will be held at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Visalia, Thursday, 9/3/15, at 10:00 AM.