Irving R. Martinez Sr.

MARTINEZ Irving R. Martinez, Sr., a long-time resident of New Orleans, and in recent years of Slidell, LA, passed away on Monday, November 28, 2005 at 95 years of age. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Amelia Areces Martinez; and grandson, Danny David Peterson. He is survived by his son, Dr. I. Ricardo Martinez; daughter, Soledad M. Peterson; grandchildren: Tessa M. Jowers of London, I. Ricardo Martinez III of Los Angeles, CA, Ricardo Norris and Charmaine Peterson; and three great-grandchildren: Brittany Norris, Christian Ablak and Cody Contreras all of Slidell, LA. A member of the Diamond Club of New Orleans Hall of Fame, Mr. Martinez coached many teams to championships in baseball and basketball, and numbered many well known New Orleanians as his players, including Nick Revon, Peter Finney and Frank France. During World War II, Mr Martinez was a welder and burner at Higgins Shipyard, where he built landing craft and PT boats. He also coached the Higgins Women's Softball Team to a league championship. Following the war he became a refrigeration engineer and was employed by Tulane University Medical School until his retirement. He was an avid Green Wave fan and attended most baseball, basketball, and football home games for many years. Relatives, friends, and Diamond Club members are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, December 16, 2005 at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA celebrated by Rev. Horace L. Brignac. Burial will follow at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum. Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon.