Obituary of Jose Reuben Martinez

Jose "Reuben" Martinez age 50, of Fairfield, CA , passed away peacefully Friday morning, November 16, 2012, surrounded by loved ones, after a brief, but heroic battle with cancer. Jose Reuben was born in El Paso, Texas, to Joaquin C. and Gloria E. Martinez. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Air Force, following in the footsteps of his father and older brother. Jose Reuben proudly served in the USAF from 1982 to 1992 as an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic. His tour of duty was at Travis AFB, CA. After his Honorable discharge, Reuben chose to settle in Fairfield, CA where he met his true love, Alison. Toward the end of his military career, he also worked as a security guard at Solano Mall, which he continued for the next 25 years. In 1997 he began working for the U.S. Postal Service as a Mail Carrier in Berkeley, CA. He was a fiercely loyal, dependable, warm, generous, loving and happy man. He was well known, well respected and well loved in his community. He was a devoted family man, loving husband and father and a great brother and son. Even though his father and his wife, Alison were dedicated Dallas Cowboys followers, his favorite NFL team was the Minnesota Vikings and he rarely missed a game and they enjoyed family rivalry. He also enjoyed vacationing with his family, listening to music, (He loved the band KISS), collecting sports memorabilia and just hanging out with family and friends, especially watching his children perform. He was an active participant in their Color Guard/Marching Band reviews. His children were truly his pride and joy. The family would especially like to thank Father Downing of Holy Spirit Parish who visited Reuben prior to his death to help prepare him for eternal life. His loving wife, Alison Riedel Martinez; a daughter, Samantha and son, Eric survive Jose Reuben. He also leaves his parents, Joaquin Cesar and Gloria Martinez, of Tucson, AZ; his brother, Joaquin Cesar Martinez Jr. and wife, Kimet of Moreno Valley, CA. His oldest sister, Elda Martinez Paulik and husband, Joe Paulik of Tucson, AZ; his sister, Ida Martinez McCormick and husband, Bill of Midland, TX; his niece, Trisha McCormick; nephew, Steven McCormick; nephew, Randy Paulik; niece, Mujgan Martinez and nephew, Trey Martinez (also followed the family tradition as a Military Man). There is also a large extended family of cousins all over the United States. He also leaves behind countless loyal and dear friends. Reuben was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Santos and Maria Cuellar Martinez and maternal grandparents, Feliciano Colchado and Simona Soto of Encinal, TX. A Mass of Christian Burial, was held at Our Mother of Sorrows Church in Tucson, AZ and interment took place at Our Lady of The Desert Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer contributions be made in his name, Jose Reuben Martinez to the American Cancer Society and/or the Humane Society of Solano County. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL. bringfuneralhome.com