Gilberto Martinez, age seventy-four, passed away the morning of Saturday, June 8, 2019 at The Brooklyn Hospital Center after a long battle with dementia. Gilberto was a loving husband and father who enjoyed family gatherings, and loved to play games, go hiking and watch boxing.
Gilberto was born in Havana, Cuba on July 7, 1944 to Sylvia Brown and Evelio Martinez. He came to America with his Mom in 1960. He worked briefly as a mold-cutter at the Diamond Center in Manhattan, New York.
In 1965, he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served for a year in Vietnam. He returned home after being honorably discharged in 1967. Less than a year later, he married Mildred Johnson. Soon after, he attended school to study X-Ray Technology. He made a career as an X-Ray Technician until his retirement in 2009.
Gilberto is survived by his wife Mildred; and their two sons: Alexis and Adam (and their wives). He also leaves behind, five grandchildren: Ariana, Sienna, Logan, Eden and Arden; his sisters: Ruby and Isela; his niece Lissette; his nephews: Calvin, Jr., Cedric and Eric; other relatives, and many extended family and friends.
To Papi
Can’t remember ever seeing my father cry.
I’m sure I must have but it just won’t replay
So I spent a good part of yesterday
Trying to keep distracted to keep the tears at bay.
Guess it worked for at least part of the way.
But the pain is too deep, banks are flooding so what can I say.
I told you for years now, “keep fighting old man, just win the day.
Then do it again tomorrow and all will be okay.”
I know, I know . . . selfish me. Abuela is calling her baby home to play.
So go, go ahead on your way . . . good fight, ASHE!
I’ll see you there Papi! Thank you! Goodbye!
~ Your Sons ~
Alexis & Adam
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