Gerald Joseph Martinez

Monday, January 18, 2021. Jerry, born July 20, 1943, was 77 years old. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 53 years, Gayle Rivet Martinez. Jerry was the beloved “Dad” of Angelique Bennett (Chris), Gerald “Jay” (Lisa), Kevin (Sophie), Collyn (Tiffany) and Meredith Martinez. “Papa” is survived by nine grandchildren: Ashley, Connor, Mason, Nemours and Amelie Martinez; and Devin, Marguerite,Tiffany, and Jeremy Bennett. He is also Papa to Caroline and Victoria Bennett who died at birth, and two children who died of miscarriages. Jerry is also survived by his brother, many nieces, nephews, cousins and so many friends.

Jerry was a Gentilly native and Metairie resident all of his adult life. Jerry attended St. Leo the Great Parochial School (1957); Jesuit High School in New Orleans (1961); St. Joseph’s Seminary; Spring Hill University; Loyola University of New Orleans (Undergraduate and Law School) with a Bachelor of Laws Juris Doctor (1967); and Our Lady of Holy Cross College (Master of Arts Theology).

Jerry’s professional career began in 1967 as an attorney which he continued most of his life. He was a founder of two continuing companies: Pelican Computer, LLC and Pilgrim’s Way Holy Land Pilgrimages. From 2003 to 2014 Jerry was the Director of Stewardship for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Jerry was also a teacher of Homiletics to Diaconate candidates (1987-2012).

Jerry was involved and responsible, acting as a Captain of Manresa House of Retreats for over 50 years, as an active member in the National Right to Life Committee, and as Captain of the Krewe of Alhambra (1987-1997). Jerry’s true passion resided in his role as an Ordained Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of New Orleans (May 23, 1976) which he fulfilled with all his heart until he retired with Faculties Status in 2019. In that role he presided over countless baptisms, marriages and celebrations of life. Jerry served as a deacon at St. Benilde Parish (1976-1987), St. Rita Parish (1987-1997), St Clement of Rome Parish (1997-1998), St. Francis Cabrini Parish (1998-2006), St Leo the Great Parish (2000-2009), St. Elizabeth Seton Parish (2006-2009), and St. Christopher the Martyr Parish (2009-2019). Jerry was also Program Chairman for the 1983 National Catholic Evangelization.

Passionate, caring and committed, Papa would drop everything (and he carried a lot with him) to help someone in need. Always ready with a joke he had already told you, Jerry was impossible not to love. The world is a better place because of our Papa.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation at the Chapel of the North American Martyrs at Jesuit High School on Thursday, January 28th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm followed by a Vigil Service. There will be visitation on Friday, January 29 at St Benilde Church from 9:00am to 11:00am followed promptly by the Funeral Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Ozanam Inn.