Marcelino Martinez Ponce

Marcelino Martinez, 92, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born on February 20, 1934, in Lima, Peru, and built a life centered around hard work, family, faith, and perseverance.

Marcelino was a dedicated and hardworking man who spent much of his life working independently as a contractor. He took pride in being able to provide for his family and in doing things with his own two hands. He loved working on cars and spending time in his garden. He was especially proud of his roses. While he was able, he took great pride in growing roses of every color, carefully tending to them and watching them bloom. During the summer months, the scent of roses would fill the air when you came home—a simple but beautiful reminder of the care he put into his home.

He was a simple man who never needed much to be happy. He was stubborn when he believed he was right, but he was also funny, quick with a joke, and always tried to do what he felt was right. He had a way of making people laugh, often having a joke ready no matter the occasion.

Marcelino leaves behind his wife, Domitila Martinez, and his two children, Gludy and Rafael Martinez. His only granddaughter, Kiara, held a special place in his heart. Though she was his granddaughter by name, she was his youngest daughter by the love they shared. He raised her as his own and was a constant source of strength, guidance, and love throughout her life. He was also a beloved great-grandfather to Noelia and Olivia Scott.

Some of the most treasured memories of Marcelino were found in the simplest moments. He had a particular love for sweets, especially grapefruit juice and Peanut M&M’s. One of his favorite traditions with his granddaughter was stopping for gas and getting their special treats together—then secretly hiding them from Grandma so they wouldn’t get in trouble for having sweets. Those little moments became memories that will last a lifetime.

Marcelino taught his family the importance of being strong, working hard, doing what is right, and remaining faithful in God. His faith was a steady part of his life, and he passed that strength on to the generations that followed him.

He will be remembered for his independence, his strong spirit, his stubbornness, his humor, his hard work, and, most of all, the love he showed through the life he built for his family. He may have been a simple man, but the impact he had on the people who loved him was anything but small.

Marcelino leaves behind a family who will carry his lessons, his faith, his stories, his jokes, and the memory of his beautiful roses with them. His memory will live on in the hearts of his wife, children, granddaughter, great-granddaughters, and all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.