Gilbert Daniel Martinez

November 13,1939 - November 15, 2017 Gilbert Daniel Martinez passed very peacefully on November 15th at his home in Laguna Niguel, California shortly after his 78th birthday from T-Cell Lymphoma cancer. Gilbert was born November 13,1939 in San Antonio, Texas to Juan Galvan Martinez and Maria Gonzalez Martinez. Soon after graduating Brackenridge High School, Gilbert joined the military and like so many of his proud Mexican American elders (some of whom died during well known WW II battles in Europe) he enlisted in the Navy. Gilbert was very proud to join his aunts and uncles, brothers and cousins who all opted to serve their country. His service included several tours in Vietnam where he was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, a Republic of Vietnam campaign medal and two good conduct awards. He met the love of his life Juliet Kerr Serrano at a swimming pool and would hitch hike hundreds of miles to see her when he was on leave. Juliet’s father, Thomas Naehu Kaaukai Kapela, of Hilo, Hawaii was Gilbert’s superior and known to be a tough Chief Petty Officer and paymaster. Surprisingly, strict Thomas approved of Gilbert and allowed him to date his daughter Juliet. Eventually their romance led to marriage on September 22,1962. And in 2017, they celebrated 55 years as husband and wife. He also introduced Juliet’s sister Lynn, to his military best bud, Harry Seganti who became the love of Lynn’s life. They are still happily married to this day. And he pitched in when their dad Tommy Kapela was out at sea, by helping Juliet’s little sister Leilani with life lessons, like learning how to drive and changing oil in her car, and helped his mother-in-law Estrella Kerr Kapela when she needed things done around the house. Estrella even spent her final years living with Gilbert and Juliet. He loved music, especially BB King and other blues artists, 50’s and 60s oldies, The Eagles, The Platters, Tex Mex-Tejano, Mariachi and most recently Bruno Mars’ 24k Magic and Uptown Funk which he played on his laptop on repeat. He was also passionate about politics and social injustice in all forms. His favorite gum was Juicy Fruit and he made sure to always keep some in his front pockets for his sons to jump and grab from him when he came home after work. And he loved to play baseball, football, and basketball with them - so much so that he often ended up coaching his son’s sports teams and he liked to faithfully watch their games, as well as his grandchildren’s soccer, football and lacrosse games. For many years Gilbert was active in the Roman Catholic Church along with his wife Juliet, and they often volunteered their time and services for the church and rectory, working for Father Tullio and Bishop Chavez at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, and St. Charles in San Diego. Gilbert was passionate about watching live sporting events; from golf tournaments, boxing, UFC, to football, and especially the Chargers. He enjoyed golfing, woodworking, gardening, crossword puzzles, fishing, camping, working on cars, and was known to finish off a party by watering the lawn. Gilbert was an extremely solid family man who was generous and giving with his time, and loved to party and laugh, and as they grew up into men- doing shots with his sons. He loved dancing with his wife Juliet, and when they were younger they would often stay out dancing late into the early morning. They especially loved dancing to Luther Vandross, 50’s and 60’s soul and Mexican music. His house served as a clubhouse refuge for his kids and their friends. And as son’s friends grew older, they would often bring by their newborn kids to meet Gilbert who served as many people’s alternate father figure. He loved his family deeply, but most importantly the love of his life, Juliet. Both Scorpios, they were extremely passionate (possibly explaining why they ended up having four boys) and always remained deeply in love. He is survived by his sister Gloria Federico of Schertz, Texas, his wife Juliet Martinez of Laguna Niguel, His 4 sons and daughter-in-laws, whom he and Juliet consider to be the daughters they never had; Rico Martinez of West Hollywood, California, Dan Martinez and his wife Ilima Kam Martinez of Carlsbad, California, Dave Martinez and his wife Kristine Hayden Martinez of Laguna Niguel, California, and Eddie Martinez and his wife Christine Crisanto Martinez of Rancho Peñasquitos, California. He is also survived by his beloved 8 grandchildren, Isabella Kealoha Martinez, Naehu Jarret Martinez, Max David Martinez, Kainoa Albert Martinez, Makana Gabriela Martinez, Minka Mei Martinez, Miles Edward Martinez and Naila Leola Martinez. And many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews that he adored. Although our “Pops”/“Papa” will be deeply missed, we find strength knowing that because he instilled so many profound values and experiences within us, he will always be with us… in our hearts. He will show himself to us every time we express love to someone, help someone in need, or a say a kind word to lift their spirits. Or when we take the time to make them feel special, wanted and important… or even when we give someone stern, tough love or make an off color joke. And especially when we do a shot with family and/or friends. Just like he did. Gilbert led by example, not words, and we hope to continue that tradition.