Richard J Martinez

Richard John Martinez, age 77, of Portage, Indiana passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family and friends. Richard was born in Chicago, Illinois to the late Inosencio Martinez Sr. and Ethel Martinez. He was a 20 year veteran of the United States Navy as a E-6 Petty Officer 1st Class PO1. Richard was a lifelong resident of Indiana with many adventures abroad with the Navy and with his wife after retirement. He was a member of the Porter VFW. Richard was an avid sports fan, you could always find him cheering on his favorite team or playing pool in his basement with his grandson Christian Masbaum. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather. He was preceded by his sister, Sheila; his brothers, Inosencio Jr. and Aaron; his grandsons, Michael Castellanos Jr. and Fulton Masbaum. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Virginia Castellanos-Martinez; sister, Mary Louise; his brothers, Robert and Anthony; his biological children, Marnie Hart (daughter) and Carey Martinez (son); his extended family, Michael (Sandy) Castellanos, Tony (Laurie) Castellanos, Jerry Castellanos, Dana Masbaum; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; his brother-in-laws, Rudolph Gonzales and Sidney (Irene) Rivera. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made out to his wife, Virginia Castellanos-Martinez. A visitation for Richard will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 PM at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road, Highland, IN 46322. Richard will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.