Obituary of Jose Raphael Martinez

Ontario: Jose (“Ralph”) Raphael Martinez surrendered into peace passing on to God’s Kingdom on November 16, 2014. He was a Protestant Christian believer and fought a courageous battle with a debilitating illness. Ralph is survived by his mother, Lucila Lopez; sisters, Rev. Dr. Yvonne Martinez Thorne and Nancy Martinez-Lopez; nieces, Lutgardy (Lou Lou),Christina, and Noelia; nephews, Efrain Jr. and Juan Carlos; and brothers-in-law, Rev. Dr. Leo S. Thorne and Efrain Lopez, Sr. He was predeceased by his father, Hector Manuel Martinez, brother, Carlos Juan Martinez, and ex-wife, Susan DeFord Martinez Thomas. Ralph served in the military, 4 years in the Marine Corps where he served in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged. He also served in the National Guard and the Army, volunteering for deployment in Gulf War for Operation Desert Storm, receiving a second honorable discharge. For Ralph, serving and protecting his country was his greatest honor which he lived out both in an outside the military. A native New Yorker, Ralph had a deep abiding love for his family and his friends whom he remained loyal to throughout his life. He enjoyed horseback riding, hunting, and boating. Ralph settled in Upstate New York in 1973 where he has lived until his death. Always a peacemaker Jose (“Ralph”) Raphael Martinez, has been laid to rest and is at final peace. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday November 20th, 11 a.m. at the Park Presbyterian Church in Newark. Arr: Norton Funeral Home of Sodus.