Jose Martinez

Jose Martinez, age 93, passed away on January 27, 2026, in Lehi, Utah. He was born on February 9, 1932, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Joe E. Martinez and Gabriela Lujan. Throughout most of his life, he was known to close family and friends as Alfred, or Al.

Jose married Francis Gabaldon on April 16, 1956, and later married Maria “Emma” Garcia on July 12, 1987.

Jose proudly served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1955. He served as a Flight Director aboard the USS Boxer (CVA-21) during the Korean War. He loved sharing stories of his time at sea, often describing how “the ocean could be as smooth as glass or butter,” before recalling the six typhoons and 86-foot waves that crashed over the flight deck. One of his most vivid memories was surviving a harrowing explosion aboard the aircraft carrier. Jose entered the Navy at age 18, beating the draft by just two weeks, and spent his years of service in the Pacific Ocean, an experience he carried with pride throughout his lifetime.

He worked for Portland Cement Company in Salt Lake City for 38 years. In addition, he spent a few years working as a security guard and driving diesel trucks before retiring.

Jose was known for his incredible storytelling, warm smile, contagious laughter, and strong work ethic. Gifted with his hands, he loved woodworking, building models, completing puzzles, and framing his artwork. He also enjoyed fishing and camping, with Fish Lake being one of his favorite outdoor destinations. In his later years, he enjoyed staying connected with family and friends through Facebook.

A special highlight of his life was traveling to Washington, D.C., in September 2014 on a Utah Honor Flight, accompanied by his daughter, Victoria Chadwick, alongside fellow World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam veterans.

Jose is survived by his daughter, Victoria Chadwick; granddaughter, Jesika Chavez-England (James); grandsons, Matthew Chavez (Wendy) and Michael Chadwick (Claire); and great-grandchildren, Marcus Martinez, Mason Chavez (Olivia), Ember Crosby, Isabelle Chavez, Caiden Crosby, Grace Chavez, Hazel Chadwick, Rowan Chadwick, Alder Chadwick, brother, Raymond Martinez and sister,Judy Pietramali.

He is also survived by his stepchildren through his marriage to Emma: Irene Gallegos; Debbie Grygier (Jim); and Leonard Garcia; seven grandchildren, Angello Lopez (Dawnelle), Feliz Weaver (Leonard), Alicia Carey (Kyle), Gavin Grygier, Jennifer Curtis (Deven), Jilyn Valdez, and Mikey Valdez (Lacy); and sixteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Mark Martinez and Jerry Martinez; his wives, Francez G. Martinez and Emma Martinez; his grandson, Marcel Martinez; his daughter, Theresa Robinson; his stepson, Paul Garcia; and his sister, Norma Lloyd.

Jose loved his family deeply and found immense joy with all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who meant the world to him.

The family sincerely thanks the staff at Abbington Manor, his home healthcare team, and Dr. Matthew Mainord and staff for their compassionate care, love and support.

Funeral Services - Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary & Cemetery, 3115 East Bengal Blvd (7800 South), Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121.

Viewing: 9:30 AM

Service: 10:00 AM

Interment: 11:00 AM