Raymond Joseph Martinez Jr.

Raymond Joseph Martinez Jr, age 83, resident of Palm Bay, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 surrounded by his family.  He was born on Tuesday, July 22, 1941 in Glenwood Springs, Colorado to Raymond and Teresa (Martinez) Martinez.  He resided in Waukegan, Illinois from 1974 until 1996 with his family.

Raymond had a humble upbringing after losing both of his parents by the age of eight.  He shared with his family that he worked on farms, in restaurants and garages from a very young age to help his two older sisters raise him and his younger brother and sister.  Raymond was adventurous as a young boy exploring the rivers, mountains, caves and landmarks of his beloved Colorado.

Raymond’s curiosity to see the world led him to join the U.S. Navy, where he also served during the Vietnam War.  He traveled the world as a sailor visiting countries in Asia, Europe and the Caribbean, as well as navigating to many locations in the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean.  Raymond retired from the Navy after twenty years of military service as a Petty Officer First Class.  He continued to support our country afterwards by teaching electronics and communications to new Navy recruits at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, Illinois.

Raymond is survived by his large family—his beloved wife Aida Iris (Gordils) Martinez, with whom he raised three daughters, Itsamari Calderon, Teresa Soto, Charlene Chavez, and a granddaughter, Damarixa Garmendiz; son-in-laws, Raul Calderon and Gabriel Chavez; grandchildren, Raymond Calderon, Joel Soto, Lorenzo Calderon, Nicholas Soto, Alejandro Calderon, Romilio Chavez, Michael Rodriguez, Matthew Rodriguez, Cesar Chavez, Juliette Perez, Daniel Chavez and Sofia Chavez; and great granddaughter, Gianna Soto.

Raymond loved his entire family profoundly.  He and Aida worked tirelessly and repeatedly sacrificed to ensure their daughters and grandchildren had the chance of a better life than they did as children.  He often reminded his family of the value of getting an education and nature’s beauty by sharing his life experiences, providing learning and travel experiences, camping and fishing trips, and encouraging them to see the world.

In addition to his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by grandbabies, Angel Calderon and Juanita Chavez, and his nine siblings—Joseph Vernon Cordero, Nellie Martinez Rocha, Margaret Torres, Ruth Martinez, Charlotte Martinez, Ora Martinez, Frances Martinez, David Vernon Martinez, and Rosanna Martinez.

Raymond will be immensely missed by his entire family and friends, who will always carry him in their hearts.

A visitation will be held for Raymond on Monday, July 28, 2025 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, 950 Malabar Road SE, Palm Bay, Florida 32907.

The burial will follow immediately after the visitation at 1:30 pm at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Lane C, 5525 U.S. Route 1, Mims, Florida 32754.