LeRoy John Martinez

Leroy was truly a gentleman and loved by his family and friends. He was one of seven children born June 19, 1945 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Because his mother, Ernestina, passed away when he was two years old he was raised by his father Demetrio and his stepmother Toni. He is survived by his sisters Marcella, Ida, and Molly; his nieces Donna, Melanie, Tracy, Tina, Kristine, Bernadine, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Lydia, Alexandria, Julie, Maria, Jennifer, Becky, and Trisha ; his nephews Gino, Danny James, Gustavo, Tommy; and numerous great nieces and great nephews.

He loved to study the bible, especially end times, and was always ready for a debate.

Leroy was a true survivor. As a young adult he was walking on the sidewalk and struck by a car, losing his right leg. Despite this challenge, he kept his independence and remained a strong man; but kind, gentle, and loving. Later in life he experienced several heart attacks. But still there was no shortage of love as he cared deeply for his family and pets. And he loved his kids: those cats, dogs, birds, fish, rabbit, monkey, and other pets. One cat in particular was Whitey whom he doted on for 37 years. He also loved to share stories of his lost pets.

Leroy had several hobbies. He was interested in preserving family history and loved to collect family photos, coins, and plants.

Leroy was a good brother, father figure, mentor, and patriarch to the Martinez family.

As Leroy closed his eyes in death I can imagine him saying: Look, I see my father Demetrio;

Look, I see can see my mother Ernestina; And my brother Sesario and my sisters Angie and Elsie

Look, I can see the line of my ancestors beginning with Benjamin and Lucia and Juan and Celza and Demetrio and Marina and Polito and Maria and Pedro and Refugito and Tomas and Guadalupe all the way back to the beginning.

Listen, they are calling me to take my place among them in the halls of eternity. And he embraced them on two sound legs.

Through a series of unfortunate incidents he may have had to live his life alone but he did not die alone.

We love you Uncle Leroy and you will be greatly missed.