Jose Martinez

Weslaco-Jose Martinez Jr., 73, passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at his home in Weslaco. On June 5, 1947, Jose was born to Jose Martinez Sr. and Maria Diaz Martinez in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

Jose grew up in Weslaco with five siblings. After graduating from Weslaco High School, he married his high school sweetheart, Irma Rico. Jose also joined the US Army, serving for two years. Jose continued to serve in the National Guard for the next eighteen years.

Jose and Irma raised six children. He continued to serve throughout his career, working his way up to Lieutenant for the Weslaco Fire Department. He was also a paramedic and served the local community for sixteen years. Jose earned numerous certifications during his tenure, always striving to be the best in his field.

Jose was a football fan and loved to watch the Dallas Cowboys and his local Weslaco East Wildcats.

Jose was a devout Catholic. He was a God-fearing and God-loving man. Jose prayed relentlessly for his family and was the first to help a friend in need. He poured out gracious love and affection to his children and grandchildren. Jose was a hard worker and always provided for his family.

Jose is preceded in death by his parents, Jose Sr. and Maria Martinez, and sister, Dolores Reyes.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-two years, Irma Rico Martinez, daughters, Christina De la Rosa (Michael), Cindy Brown (Michael), Lori Ann Maldonado (Michael), all of Weslaco, sons, Jose (Joey) Martinez III (Lorraine) of Weslaco, Michael Martinez (Mayela) of Saginaw, Texas, and Eric Martinez of Weslaco, siblings, Janie Sanchez (Ramon) of Irving, Texas, Ezequiel Martinez of Mercedes, Pete Martinez (Yolanda) of Arlington, Texas, and Rachel Cedillo (Artemio), grandchildren, Ryan Navarro, Michael Brown Jr., Kaitlyn De la Rosa, Nate De la Rosa, Tristan Maldonado, Zoey Maldonado, Joseph Martinez, Curtis Borjas, Brittany Alaniz, Pamela Martinez, and Ashley Martinez, numerous nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be Monday, January 25th, 2-9 pm, with a rosary at 7 pm, followed by a time of sharing stories. Mass will be Tuesday, 12pm St Pius X Catholic Church in Weslaco, followed by burial with full military honors at Rio Grande Valley State Cemetery in Mission. Services will also be live-streamed via youtube.