Alfred Aguilar Martinez

Alfredo was the eldest child born to Felipe Martinez and Carmen Aguilar in the village of Ixtlan del Rio, Nayarit, Jalisco, Mexico. Losing his father at the age of 9, he immigrated with his mother and siblings to San Francisco, California. At the age of 21 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served his country in W.W. II from 1941-1945. Nicknamed, “Marty”, he was stationed in Germany and then off to the Asiatic/Pacific War stationed on the island of Amchitka, Alaska (Aleutian Islands). It was in the military he learned to speak English. He did not have a formal education, however, was very intelligent and motivated that he self taught himself how to read & write. Upon discharge he returned to San Francisco, and worked as a sourdough mixer baker for Parisian Bakery retiring in 1982 after 37 years working for the company.

The 3 year old girl he was introduced as a pre-teen, had changed somewhat the next time he saw her after serving in the military.

On July 10, 1948, after a courtship full of music, dancing, and happiness, he married Magdalena Salcedo. They were married 66 years. After San Francisco, they lived in Belmont for 5 years then built their dream home in Menlo Park where they lived for 53 years. They have treasured memories raising their children in the beautiful neighborhood. The last 3 years he and his wife resided at their home in Modesto at the Bethel Retirement Community.

He was the loving, proud father of Alfred M. Martinez (Linda) of Modesto, Scarlet S. Martinez (Renato) of Benicia , and Eduardo C. Martinez (Kim) of Woodland, California. Alfredo leaves two grandchildren, Anthony M. Martinez (Claudia) and Michelle J. Piatt (Rocky), and his four great-grandchildren: Mackenzie, Riley, Maycie Piatt, & Lorenzo Martinez. He was also a great one to Marcos Carillo (Alicia). He was “Tio” to many, many nieces and nephews whom he adored. Their presence always made him happy.

He is survived by his wife, Magdalena, his sister, Angelina Salcedo Ortiz(Jesus), Dolores Martinez Gomez, and his brother, Alberto Salcedo.

He is preceded in death by his brothers, Philip Martinez, Jose Salcedo, Eduardo Salcedo, and sisters, Rose Martinez Alfonso, and Carmen Martinez Martin.

Alfredo loved gardening, sports, and visiting the casinos with family. He also enjoyed a good poker game, movies, and music.

He was an avid Giant fan and proudly adorned his ball caps. He had lots. His love for children was unwavering.

He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and coached Little League & Babe Ruth teams in the Peninsula.

His wife and family were the most important things to him. He relished a good party and being with friends.

A hardworking, caring, generous, loyal, thoughtful man who will be missed by his family and friends.

The family would like to thank the “angels” of Community Hospice Care and Provident Home Care for their helping hands and healing hearts.

Your compassionate care and support for all of us will never be forgotten.

A private military honor service will be held in Modesto, California. A memorial celebration of life is planned at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice, VFW, Honor Flight Bay Area or to a Veterans charity of your choice.

Online guestbook at LakewoodHughson.com