Julio Gilberto Martinez

With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Julio G. Martinez, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin. Julio passed away peacefully in his sleep at 72 with his children, grandchildren, siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews at his side.

Julio was born in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, on January 15, 1951, to his loving parents, Julio & Rafaela (Reyna), who preceded him in death. His wife, Amelia (Amy), of 25 years, who he loved and cherished, also preceded him in death. She was a small driving force in his gaining his U.S. Citizenship.

He grew up in a big family with seven siblings, Francisco (Martina) Martinez, Maria Isabel (Benito) Barragan, Juan (Raquel) Martinez, Raymundo (Alma) Martinez, Esteban (Irene) Martinez, Maria (Alex) Garcia, and Andrea (Jorge) Vasquez, and they all remained close throughout their lives, with him serving as a patriarch. Immediately after graduating from Martin High School, Julio enlisted in the Army at 18. He served his country in Germany for several years before being honorably discharged.

Julio's career found him working as a mechanic for the City of Laredo, where he would eventually retire as a Senior Buyer in the City's Purchasing Department. He will be remembered as a man of honor, passion, dedication, courage, wisdom, warm-hearted and loving person. He was known for his hard work, dedication, and attention to detail. Julio took pride in his family; his legacy will speak for it. He was a member of San Martin de Porres Catholic Church, where he served as a Knight of Columbus and Eucharistic Minister.

Julio was a devoted father to his children, Raul (Clarissa) Guardiola, Jon Gilbert (Jacob) Martinez, Aimee E. Martinez, and Tiffany Martinez, and a doting grandfather to his grandchildren, Alex & Allan Guardiola, Jazmyn & Alexandra Vasquez, and Nathaniel A. Martinez. Special mention goes to JR and Ashley Garcia. He loved spending time with his family and always ensured they knew how much he cared and loved them, including his nieces and nephews. Julio had a kind and generous spirit that touched many in his life. His legacy shall speak to his pride in his family, including his hard work, dedication, kindness, and love.

Julio will be enormously missed by his family, including aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and all who knew him.

The family will gather on Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 5 pm to 9 pm at Hillside Funerals & Cremations, where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will be held at 7 pm.

The chapel will depart at 8:30 am for a Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated at 9:00 am at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church on Friday, June 23, 2023.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow to the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Alex Garcia, JR Garcia, Raymundo Martinez, Francisco Martinez, Jazmyn Vasquez, Esteban Martinez, Stevie Martinez, Benito Barragan.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Juan Martinez, Ashley Garcia, Alexandra Vasquez, Jacob M. Guerra-Martinez.

You may extend your condolences to the family at: www.hillsidefuneral.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hillside Funerals & Cremations; 310 W. Hillside Rd.; Laredo, TX 78041; 956.724.6060