Frank Sanchez Martin

July 31, 1941 ~ October 5, 2024

When he was 16, Frank S. Martin bravely left his family and came to America from his birthplace in Macoterra, Spain. He began a new life in Monterey in 1957, learning the language and the ways of his new country. He graduated from Monterey High School in 1961.

With a strong work ethic, Frank began his employment as a landscape contractor, a great fit with his love of gardening. He worked hard and saved his earnings with an eye toward future business possibilities. Romance entered the picture when he met Elaina Alliotti, daughter of Italian immigrants who had settled in Monterey. The two were married in January 1965 and were just shy of their 60th wedding anniversary when Frank died of Alzheimer’s on October 5th.

Frank’s years of saving paid off when, in 1976, he and Elaina opened their own business, Martin’s Irrigation Supply in Seaside. Given the predominance of landscaping in the county, it was a wise choice. With his genial nature and knowledge of his products, Frank built a healthy company. One of the greatest joys in his life was coming to work daily to see all his customers.He worked the counter until his illness forced his retirement. His son James, daughter Monica, and grandson Nathaniel continue to pilot the company Frank and Elaina started, a now-rare, family-owned and operated business.

Frank and Elaina raised two children in Monterey and were involved in their community. Frank was active in San Carlos Cathedral where he was a usher, the Italian Catholic Federation, CLCA, and the Knights of Columbus belonging to chapters in Monterey and Pacific Grove, where, among other positions, he served as a Faithful Navigator. He and Elaina also traveled extensively in Europe and took long breaks at their mountain cabin in Arnold, California. He was also very proud of the two US patents he held.

Family and faith were paramount in Frank’s life. Celebrations honored birthdays and holidays for everyone in the clan; sometimes paella was on the menu as a nostalgic recognition of Frank’s Spanish heritage. Frank travelled back to Spain every other year to see family and join in the town’s annual San Roque Festival. His most memorable trips were in 2008 with his grandson Nate and daughter Monica, and then in 2010 with his wife, daughter-in-law and grand-daughter. He made his last trips in 2017 and 2019 with his son.

Frank, 83, died at peace in his Pacific Grove home.

He leaves his wife Elaina, his daughter Monica (Donny) and son James (Heather), grandchildren Nathaniel (Chelsea), Sofia, and great-grandchildren Scarlett, Rose and Peter. His siblings Antonio, Angel, José, and Carmen, many nieces and nephews in Spain, and his cousin and best friend Robert F. Martin of Toro Park also survive him.

The family is deeply grateful to the wonderful team who cared for Frank—Cha Cha, May, Herlie, Aileen, Essie, Rachela, Vilma, Joeanna and Joe—and to Hospice of the Central Coast.

Services will be on October 23, 2024, at 9:30 AM at San Carlos Cathedral, preceded by a rosary on October 22 at 6PM at The Paul Mortuary in Pacific Grove.. The family suggests gifts to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of donor’s choice in honor of Frank’s absolutely wonderful and fulfilled life.