Fidel M. Martinez, age 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by his entire family at his side after a short bout with skin cancer. Fidel was born in Nuevo Repueblo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and spent his early adulthood in Monterey. In 1955 he moved to the United States and settled in the central valley. He met the love of his life, Lydia Pruneda in Cutler, Ca and they were married on September 29, 1956. Together they had four children. In 1962 they settled in Riverbank where he lived for the remaining years of his life.
Fidel began working at Contadina Foods in Riverbank in 1963. He eventually became a mechanic and foreman until the plant closed in 1987. He then transferred to Tri Valley Growers # 4 on 8 Mile Road in 1988 until he retired in 1992.
His lifelong passion for his game roosters kept him very active throughout his life. He was well known throughout the United States for his show roosters.
Fidel was a loyal friend to the end. His circle of friends was a true representation of a melting pot, as there never seemed to be a racial or language barrier.
Fidel's family was his ultimate joy. He leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Lydia, three daughters Mary Prieto (Salvador), Aleida Landeros (Andres) and Lydia Linares (Efren), six grandchildren Fidel Landeros (Jackie), Lydia Prieto-Torres (Gerardo), Celenia Prieto-Albor (Arturo), Juan Carlos Landeros, Efren Jr and Aaron Linares and two great granddaughters Natalie and Kara Landeros, and three siblings from Monterey, Minerva, Rafael and Juanita. He is preceded in death by his parents Juan and Maria and son Juan De Dios.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday June 26th from 6-8pm with a Rosary at 6:30pm at Lakewood Funeral Home in Hughson. Funeral services will be held Wednesday June 27th at St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church in Riverbank at 11 am. Immediate procession to Lakewood Memorial Park for interment; followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon at St. Frances of Rome Church.
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