Ramon Martinez

Please click here to view services held for Ramon on February 18th, 2023

Ramon Martinez Vargas

August 9th, 1951 – February 12th, 2023

Ramon Martinez Vargas , who was loved by his wife, children, family and friends, departed his loved ones on February 12th, 2023 at the age of 71. He was called “Papo” by his siblings and relatives in Puerto Rico. His favorite scripture was Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…”

My father Ramon Martinez, was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, on August 9th, 1951 was preceded in death by his loving parents, Angela Vargas and Rafael Martinez and his brothers, Victor Martinez Candelaria, Rafael Martinez Candelaria, and sister Ramona Martinez Vargas. He was the fifth of thirteen children. He was survived by Delia Martinez Candelaria, Antonia Martinez Vargas, Samuel Martinez Vargas, Sonia Martinez Vargas, Milagros Martinez Vargas, Norma Iris Martinez Vargas, Olga Iris Martinez Vargas, Eny Martinez Vargas and Marcos Antonio Martinez Vargas.

Loving husband of Sylvia Martinez for 49.5 years and loving father of Eliu Reyes (Maria), Gamalier Reyes, Jonathan Reyes (Anita), Joanne Bracero (Librado), Raymond Martinez Jr. Preceded in death by his loving children Saul Reyes and Maribel Reyes. Grandfather to 18 grandchildren: Bianca, Francis, Christina, Brittany Marie, Gamalier Jr., Dante, Jason, Miguel, Mariah, Abner Jr., Tiffany, Isllena Anali, Ilialin Ismari, Juan Antonio , Jasmine Rae, Caitlyn Alexandria, Amari Imani, Branden Librado. Lastly, great grandfather to 18 great-grandchildren.

At the age of 16.5 my father relocated from Puerto Rico to Pennsylvania, arriving with a few friends, not having any family or knowing anyone seeking a better life. At that young and tender age, he found work as an agricultural laborer. Years later he decided to relocate to Newark, New Jersey where he began a new job at a factory. It was at this factory that he first met and fell in love with my mother Sylvia. He later said “ I saw your mother and knew she was going to be my wife and mother of my future children. It was love at first sight.” There was a mutual attraction, however, before it could go further than friendship, my mother knew a serious conversation had to take place regarding the 14 year age difference between them and the importance of her being a mother of 6 children. Almost 50 years later, we can see that was never an issue.

In September of 1978, they came to Milwaukee, Wisconsin from Boston, Massachusetts to be closer to Mom’s parents who were now becoming elderly. My mother, prior to moving to WI had re- established her relationship with Christ praying that some day my father would give his life to Christ. Two years later that prayer was answered. You see my father was jealous, jealous of the men who were giving my Mother rides to and from church. Mom being very clever took this opportunity and invited my Dad to a house prayer service to ease any of his fears or doubts . It was at this house prayer service that Dad gave his life to Christ. Becoming a Christian was truly a life changing experience that could be seen by all who knew him. Years later he became a member of a church we lovingly called 12th Street Church, today known as Templo Maranata, Apia. For 19 years he served in the Transportation Ministry picking up church members from all over Milwaukee to and from church. Sometimes getting home from work with just enough time to shower, change his clothes, and almost always missing dinner. He did this to make sure that the church members who depended on him for a ride made it to church on time. He also served as a treasurer of the Men’s

Ministry locally and in his district. Until his passing, he was still an active and beloved church member helping in anyway he could.

For many years my father worked at different jobs including a few different restaurants, until one day he found a job of his expertise as a sandblaster at the Milwaukee Treating Company. He was so dedicated and hardworking that he rarely used his vacation time or called in sick. Rain or sunshine, snow or sleet, nothing stopped him from going to work. He was so dedicated and loyal to this company that Mom would say “your father will be carried out in a stretcher before he quits or retires from his job” He truly loved and appreciated his bosses. The owners of this small family company treated my father as extended family. He looked forward going to work, and working overtime if needed. He never once complained.

My father enjoyed having company over at his house especially when us kids would stop by. His eyes would light up whenever he saw his grandchildren. He loved being with them, taking them to the near by park and playing with them for hours. In his younger years he enjoyed playing baseball.

He enjoyed it so much that he was part of a baseball team which was sponsored by a large neighborhood grocery store in Newark, New Jersey. My father was known to be a man of few words. However once you got to know him he could talk to you for hours. Anyone who come in contact with him felt the gift of his hospitality. You couldn’t visit his home and not eat or have a cup of “café” even if you had already eaten. He always showered everyone with so much love, affection, joy and laughter. He was a blessing to everyone. My Aunt Millie shared a memory she had as a teenager of when my father went back to visit them in PuertoRico after many years of him not seeing his family. He had decided to just show up un-announced without letting any of them know he was coming to visit. She remembered the joy, tears and shouts of joy as my father entered the room. My Aunt Antonia shared her childhood memory of her and my dad playing, him always chasing her and her climbing on a headboard and my father grabbing her by her legs and pulling down onto the mattress. He did this to try and protect her from falling off the bed and injuring herself. He was always very protective over his siblings especially his sisters.

We are so blessed, honored and privileged to have had him as our Father. Growing up we never went without. He always made sure that we had food on the table and clothes on our backs and a reliable vehicle . Our mother was always his first priority, making sure she had everything she wanted and needed. He took great care of mom and my handicap brother Pito. The love and affection he showered our family with was truly unconditional. His legacy and memories will live on in every family member and in each and every person he came in contact with.

Dad, we will forever love and hold you dear to our hearts, always remember that you were and always will be mom’s only true love. You will never ever be forgotten. Till we see you again

Visitation Saturday, February 18, 2023 at the Heritage Funeral Home 3801 S. Howell Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53207 from 10:00 AM until time of the Funeral Service at 12:00 PM.  Interment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.