Joe R Martinez

Joe R. Martinez, Sr. of Pontiac; passed December 22, 2015 at 81 years of age.  Born March 17, 1934 in Austin, Texas, the son of the late Jose V. and Maria Martinez of Pontiac.  Beloved husband of Manuela and loving father of Christina Ferguson, Patricia Martinez Cox, Joe R. (Amelia) Martinez, Jr., Angela (Christopher Sr.) McCue; dear Abuelito of 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; loving brother of Connie Ibarra and John R. Martinez.   Joe resided in Pontiac, graduating from Pontiac High School in 1952. He retired from J&L Steel as well as the Pontiac Schools.  Joe and Manuela are active parishioners at St. Damien of Molokai Parish.  Joe had a lifelong passion for music, playing saxophone and upright bass in several bands ranging from Jazz to Tejano music. He was also an Army veteran stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Joe cherished his family, music and spicy jalapenos and will be missed by all those he touched. Visitation at Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home , 46 Williams St., Pontiac, MI 48341 on Sunday, December 27, 2015 from 1-5 p.m. with rosary at 3 p.m.  Funeral Mass at St. Damien’s, 129 Lewis St., Pontiac, MI  48342 on Monday, December 28 th , 2015 at 11 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations to: La Amistad, Ruth Peterson Senior Center, 990 Joslyn Rd. Pontiac, MI  48340.