Modesto "Tito" Martinez Jr

Modesto (Tito) Martinez, Jr., a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, in Brighton, Colorado, at the age of 83.
Born on February 9, 1942, in Los Fresnos, Texas, Tito was raised in a Mexican-American family that moved between Texas and Colorado, following the rhythms of the agricultural seasons. This way of life-rooted in resilience, sacrifice, and deep family ties-instilled in him the values of hard work, loyalty, and unshakable resolve. These principles stayed with Tito throughout his life, shaping the man so many came to know and love.
Tito proudly served his country in the United States Army as part of the Headquarters Battery, 5th Battalion, 57th Artillery Regiment, stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. His unit, a component of the 4th United States Army, played a key role in field artillery operations during his service. Though Tito rarely spoke about his time in the military, the experience deeply influenced him-instilling a quiet discipline, steadfast loyalty, and a sense of duty that defined how he lived and how he showed up for those he loved.
After his military service, Tito built a long and fulfilling career as a heavy-duty mechanic. He worked for more than 30 years at Prospect Implement in Prospect Valley, retiring at the age of 67. He was respected not only for his technical skill but also for the integrity, humility, and care he brought to his work. Whether repairing equipment or lending a helping hand, Tito was a constant, dependable presence-offering support with quiet strength and generosity.
In early 1993, Tito met Ana Bravo through a mutual friend. That October, he invited Ana and her two young sons, Ivan and Daniel, to join him in Keenesburg, Colorado, where they began a new chapter of their lives together. Over the next 31 years, Tito devoted himself to their shared life-supporting Ana and her children as they pursued their education and professional goals. Their journey was made possible by his steady presence and Ana's unwavering resilience as a mother.
Like any long marriage, theirs had moments of both joy and hardship, but it was grounded in love, perseverance, and mutual respect. Ana, Ivan and Daniel remain profoundly grateful for the life they shared with Tito and for the lasting impact he made on their family.
Outside of work and family, Tito embraced life's simple pleasures. He was an avid hunter, a familiar face at the casino, and a true master of the grill. He especially loved cooking for family and friends-most of all, slow-cooking barbacoa in his beloved cazo, which became the centerpiece of countless gatherings. He found peace in watching hunting and cooking shows, or anything on the History Channel, often relaxing with a plate of food and a quiet, content smile.
Tito is survived by his loving wife, Ana Maria Bravo Martinez; his children, Daniel (Ashley) Diaz-Bravo, Ivan (Reyna Anaya) Diaz, Martin Sabas Martinez, Maria Genoveva Martinez, and Modesto Martinez III. He is also survived by his siblings: Fernando Martinez, Olivia Solis, Ramiro Martinez, Sylvia Gamez, Jesus Martinez, Estella Steele, Carmen Walker, Francisco Martinez.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Modesto Martinez and Maria Genoveva Vela Martinez, and his sisters, Maria Viatriz Martinez, Beatriz Maria Martinez Kinnison, Manuelita Martinez, Esperanza Martinez.
A memorial service to honor Tito's life will be held at Tabor Rice Funeral Home located at 75 S 13th Ave, Brighton, CO 80601on Tuesday, June 11th at 6pm. June 12th at 10am, Tito will be laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery located at 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236.
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