Gilberto R. Martinez

August 21, 1932 – January 14, 2024

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” – Nelson Henderson.

Gilberto Rodriguez Martinez, 91, rejoined his beloved Amelia in the early hours of Sunday, January 14, 2024. Gilberto passed peacefully at his home surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones. Born in Freeport, Texas, to Leopoldo and Isabel Rodriguez on August 21, 1932, he spent his youth in Donna and Weslaco, TX. After graduating from Weslaco High School, Gilberto worked jobs in the horticultural field. During this time, Gilberto attended a Saturday night dance at La Plazita in Weslaco, where he met Amelia Garcia, who swept him off his feet.

Gilberto enlisted in the U.S. Army on March 20, 1953. However, he took leave in the winter of 1954 to marry his sweetheart Amelia, who would become his wife and soulmate for 66 years until her passing in February of 2021. Together, they raised three beautiful, strong, and intelligent daughters. Gilberto was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army with the rank of corporal in March of 1955, yet he continued serving his country in the U.S. Army Reserves until 1963.

Gilberto attended Pan American University, focusing his studies on English, Chemistry, and Horticulture. His love for plants and horticulture led him to pack up his family in 1965, relocating to Houston, Texas, for a position at the University of Houston. Now relocated and established, he continued his career in horticulture, landing a job for TRW at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in 1968, where he remained until retirement in 1990. Gilberto carried his love for plants into his home, where he kept a fantastic garden his entire life.

Upon retirement, he worked tirelessly with civic events, helping neighbors, friends, and family in any way he could. When Amelia fell ill, he took it upon himself to be her sole caretaker. Gilberto was loved, admired, and respected by all those around him. His neighbors, young and old, became family. His love for his wife, family, and friends was second to none.

Gilberto is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Amelia; Father, Leopoldo; Mother, Isabela; Sisters- Lilia, Carolina, and Evelia; Grandson, Erik; and- Granddaughter, Angelina.

He is survived by his daughters- Sylvia Martinez (Hugo), Melba Garcia (Albert), and Diana Cuellar (Arturo); grandchildren, Christopher Cuellar, Nicholas Romo, Erika Cuellar (Eric), Gilbert Cuellar (Sylvia), Omar Cuellar (Dafna), Natalie Martinez (Julian), Sylena Martinez, as well as 19 Great Grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 26, from 1 PM to 9 PM at Funeraria Del Angel- Highland at 6705 N. FM 88 Weslaco, TX 78596. Teresa Martinez will lead Rosary from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

The funeral procession will be on Saturday, January 27, at 9 AM from Funeraria Del Angel- Highland to St. Joan of Arc Church, 109 S. Illinois, for mass at 10 AM. Jacky and Rick Sustaita will perform music. The burial will be held at Highland Memorial Cemetery at 11 AM. Jay Muniz and Mariachi Caballero will perform the music celebration.

Considering Gilberto’s love of plants, we encourage live plants in lieu of floral displays. We ask you to plant a tree or flowers in his name to honor his legacy.

Serving as pallbearers are Chris Cuellar, Ryan Cuellar, Omar Cuellar, Albert Garcia, Michael Romo and Hugo Martinez. Honorary pallbearers are Anthony Cruz and Cyrus Cuellar.