Lindolfo Martinez, a son, brother, uncle and friend, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, surrounded by his family. He was born in a small town in Mexico on August 5, 1953, to Ubaldo and Micaela Martinez, who preceded him in death, and called Houston his home for over 50 years.
He was the epitome of grace and dignity to those who knew him and loved him. He enjoyed fine dining, pretty women, sports, books, cars, history and his work; however, what he enjoyed most was spending quality time with his family, especially his nieces and nephews. Each time a new baby was born; he arrived at the hospital with a beautiful floral arrangement to mark the occasion. He would spend hours every weekend watching his nephews play, always saying “these little guys are more fun than a barrel of monkeys.” Each one of his nieces, nephews, and great nieces were without a doubt, his greatest pride and joy and the memory of their Uncle and Great Uncle “Fofo” will live in their hearts.
The oldest of seven, he set an example for the pursuit of higher education and always preached the importance of “being the best you could be.” He attended San Jacinto High School and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1971. He attended the University of Houston where he majored in Computer Science; always knowing they would be an integral part of everyday life. He was his family’s biggest supporter, never missing a graduation or important event; always showing up in an impeccable suit and shoes that were so shiny that if one looked down, would probably reflect his huge smile.
He loved and supported all Houston sports teams but was an avid Texans fan. He never missed a game and had a very specific game day routine that included arriving at the stadium hours before the game ensuring that he would not miss the start. He stuck by his team through thick and thin always believing their improvement was imminent. The Texans have lost one of their biggest fans and everyone who knew him will never watch a game without thinking of him. The greatest sports moment of his life wasn’t a Super Bowl or a World Series win by his favorite team; but rather, it was winning a room full of furniture from Gallery Furniture during one of Mattress Mac’s promotions. His ebullience was contagious and he told everyone that he had no doubt that he would win - because ever the sports analyst - “defense always wins.”
A NASA employee for over 25 years he was a “pioneer” in strategic IT operations and took great pride in his work and career. His attention to detail complemented his spirit of perfectionism. His colleagues were some of his closest friends and he shared many great times with them away from the world of space and computers. To his family, he was the most intelligent and technical person they knew and he was their version of a help desk. Never an electronic or automotive purchase was made without at least one phone call to Lindolfo for his opinion and direction.
He is survived by his sisters, Maria Olguin and husband Miguel Olguin, Justice Eva and husband Tony Guzman, Sandra Carpenter, Martha and husband Spencer Turpin, and Michelle and husband Stephen Fraga; nieces Crystal and husband Edward Duffy, Melissa Olguin, Melanie Guzman, Caroline Hinojosa and Taylor Carpenter; nephews Gregory, Stephen and Andrew Fraga; and great nieces Abigail, Lauren and Katherine Duffy.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him but will be reunited in Heaven with his mother, father, and best friend and brother Greg Martinez. Goodbye and rest in peace, sweet brother.
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