Salvador Diaz Martinez

Salvador D. Martinez (Sal/Chava) was born in San Diego, CA on 31 July 1951, and raised in Tijuana, Mexico. He was the eldest of Carolina and Salvador M. Martinez’s 8 children. He returned to San Diego as an adolescent and took great pride serving as an altar boy for several years. In 1970, at the age of 18, he was drafted to the United States Army where he served as a Motor Transport Operator and Infantryman during the Vietnam war. Upon his return in 1972, he continued his service in the US Army Reserve and the California Army National Guard. He was honorably discharged as a corporal, having earned a National Defense Service Medal, following a cumulative military service of 8 years.

In 1972, while visiting his cousin Maria's house, he met Eva Ramos who served as her nanny. He courted and took her hand in marriage by May 19, 1979. On February 24, 1981, they welcomed their first child, Sara Maria. A year and eight months later, the couple became parents again with the birth of their daughter, Maria Isabel, on October 19, 1982. Sal supported his wife while she battled breast cancer in 1985. During her chemotherapy, she miraculously conceived their third child, Miguel Antonio, born on January 16, 1988. Sal and his wife loved each other dearly. They were blessed with four grandsons born in 2004, 2007, 2016 and 2021. Sal lost his wife in 2018.

He was a small man with a big personality. He would walk into a room and instantly became the life of the party. He had a passion for riding motorcycles, driving 18-wheeler trucks and wearing his cowboy boots and attire to every party he attended. For Sal, family and friends came first, ever ready to lend a helping hand; The door to his home was always open, and everyone who walked through would get a healthy dose of Chava’s philosophical insights. All who have known him have been left with wonderful golden nuggets of his life’s wisdom.

He was diagnosed with cancer in March 2021. He fought valiantly and responded well to treatment. Sadly, he suffered a recurrence in August 2022, and succumbed to the illness on October 22, 2022.

We should hold Chava's memories dear to our hearts and cherish the moments made with him. The sorrow we feel comes from a place where we still have a lot of love and memories to share with him, but we mustn’t be selfish, as his job here on this earth is done. God has called him to return to His heavenly kingdom, his home, to be reunited with the love of his life, Eva. He’s now earned the title of being a Martinez ancestor, joining his parents, siblings and grandson, amongst others. Until we meet again Chava (Dad), you will be truly missed by all whose lives you’ve touched. We will always love you Dad.

Viewing Services:

Wednesday, November 02, 2022 from 5:00pm - 9:00pm at

Cypress View Mausoleum

3953 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113

Mass & Burial Services:

Thursday, November 03, 2022

Mass at 10:00am at

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church

1770 Kearney Ave, San Diego, CA 92113

Immediately following the Mass the burial service will be approx. 11:00am at

Holy Cross Cemetery

4470 Hilltop Dr, San Diego, CA 92102