Ramiro S. Martinez passed away on January 21,2019. He was born to parents Sabino and Bertha Martinez in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico and was raised in Laredo, Texas. Upon high school graduation he received a letter inviting him to attend Texas A&M, which changed his fate. He was a proud member of the class of 1951, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. He was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force and obtained the rank of Captain serving as a navigator and bombardier during the Korean War. He married the love of his life Betty and they settled in to life in California where they made many lifelong friends especially the Morelli family. Ram’s thirty-year career at Rockwell as a rocket scientist yielded many important projects with NASA. His work included the design and experiments related to rockets for the lunar and mars programs and instrumentation for nuclear power plants.
Always avid Aggie sports fans Betty and Ram retired to College Station. Being a hardworking curious engineer and life long learner Ram earned a M.S. in Nuclear Engineering at the age of 65. His professor and longtime friend Dr. Hassan, states that “Ram was one of the best students we ever had and a great inspiration to all”. He and Betty participated in activities at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic church, loved their very beloved animals, befriended many Aggies and had many special friends in College Station.
Predeceased by his parents, wife Betty, and sister Orguidea Diaz. He is survived by sisters Sylvia Torres and Alicia Fitzpatrick; brother-in-law Donald White, God sons Berto Torres and Jeffery Morelli, numerous nieces, nephews and many friends who will miss him dearly.
Ram’s family would like to thank all of the caregivers and friends who helped in recent years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, 502 West 26th Street, Bryan, TX 77803,