I believe I met Juan during the spring semester of 1998. I was a senior at Cal State Los Angeles majoring in civil engineering and I had just started working for USACE as a student intern. My first day at work was memorable because my cubicle neighbor was Juan Martinez. Within the first few days of meeting him, he invited me to lunch, and he introduced me to this awesome teriyaki lunch truck. In addition, I always felt safe and cared for whenever he was around. We had some funny characters that worked for H&H but Juan Martinez was always there to check them.  

I also joined the intern program at USACE, and it was my turn to rotate through the sections. When I ended up in the Design Branch, the section in which Juan decided to spend several years working for as a hydraulic design engineer, I noticed the love, and therefore the knowledge that he had regarding MicroStation CAD and Inroads. It was easy to see his passion for the tool. 

Another memorable moment about Juan is the time when the Hispanic Employment Program hosted Hispanic Heritage Month. During this month, an event to host a movie debut regarding a famous Hispanic boxer was scheduled to take place. During the beginning of the event, I remember Juan and some other colleagues of ours practically running to the room and placing their big lunch plates on the table to watch the movie. Juan seems to be loving the chance to watch sports and hang out with his friends. 

I am now serving as the chairperson for the Engineering and Technologies program at ELAC. This is the program that Juan completed at ELAC before transferring to Cal State Los Angeles. My job is now to honor the Lord through this great man by awarding an E&T student this year with the Juan Martinez Outstanding Service Scholarship Award. If you would like to receive more information regarding this scholarship please email me at gallegha@elac.edu.

To Melissa and family: 
We understand Juan left us all too soon.  I speak for many of us at the office that we were all shocked and saddened when we heard the news of his sudden passing.  We can only imagine the pain and grief you must be feeling at this difficult time.  Nothing will be the same and nothing will seem to lighten the sorrow. Although Juan has left us, his spirit still lives in you and all of us who remember how he has touched our lives; how devoted Juan was to you; how much he was a mentor to his son and daughter who are now young man and woman; how he treated people with respect; and how Juan enjoyed and loved life.  Only you know of these special memories you have had with Juan.  When you share these special memories of Juan with each other, he lives on in you.  We hope you will take good care of each other and find comfort and peace in the days ahead.   
In a similar way, Juan’s work at the Corps of Engineers has helped to leave a legacy to benefit the community.  We can also share our memories of Juan when you are ready to hear more of what Juan had worked on. 
With Deepest Sympathy,
Robert Kwan, Coworker and friend, Civil Design Section A, US Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles


Juan was truly an amazing person.  I had the privilege to see him marry the love of his life Melisa, and become a father to his beautiful children.  He was a loving son, brother, and uncle who always ensured his entire family came first.  

There are so many memories from the past 27 years that my family shared with the Martinez family.  His laughter and jokes will be missed by many.  Rest in Heavenly Peace my friend. 





Juan was a great Resident Engineer in his time in San Diego. I did not truly get to know Juan when we were both in the El Monte Resident Office. It wasn't until we both worked in San Diego that I really got to know him. He really was such a hard worker and someone that I enjoyed working with. There was an expectation for me that I would one day work with him again back in El Monte. Unfortunately, that time will never come and that pains me. I will miss him. Rest in peace, my co-worker and friend.

Our deepest condolences to the entire Martinez family...... “ Look up, get up, & don’t ever give up”    Michael Irvin  #88 Dallas Cowboys 

Juan was a trustworthy loyal friend and colleague but to me he was MY Brother, a son, a husband, a father, and an uncle (nino). For him, family was always first. His goal was to be the best provider and role model throughout the multiple roles he played in life. As a husband and father, he strived for the best and he accomplished it! As a son, brother, and uncle his love and loyalty was unimaginable. What is true, is he left a legacy. There was no one like him...he was one of a kind!  
Brother, last night you appeared in my dream. You kissed my head and whispered you are sorry. I woke up crying because I knew exactly what you were trying to say to me. I knew you could feel my tears and didn’t want me to cry but it was impossible since I wasn’t ready to say GOODBYE. 
Remembering you is easy, it’s the heartache of losing you that will not go away. It feels like a dream, but I still feel you around me. 
It broke my heart to lose you and you didn’t go alone…I don’t think you realize part of me went with you. I know you are in a better place and at peace. I understand that, but my heart doesn’t. God broke my heart to prove to me he only takes the best. I pray He gives me strength and you, Brother, guide me through the rest. 
Forever In Our Hearts 💙🤍💙🤍


To know my brother Juan, is to know family, love, and loyalty.  There was nothing my brother wouldn’t do for those he loved.  We are a small, but tight family and with my brother’s guidance we will continue to do so.  He remains an integral part of our lives and those he touched as well.  

As I reflect on Juan’s life, I can’t help but think of what a truly AMAZING person he was.  One of his biggest traits I admired was his selflessness.  He would always think of others before himself.  This included my students.  He would come to my school site and speak to my students about self growth and to seek a better future.  He genuinely cared about them and their future.
He would always mention that he was in their shoes and with hard work and perseverance you can accomplish anything.  That’s what my brother did, he accomplished his dream of becoming a great Civil Engineer.  My students listened and joy would gleam from their faces with the treats he would bring them.  Joy from others is what my brother Juan loved to see the most.

Juan, loved to see the joy in others.  There was never a family function or party that my brother did not attend and make you dance.  Dance and feel the music, dance and smile at life, dance and feel alive.   That’s how I remember him now, dancing and smiling.  Keep dancing brother, for one day we will dance again!!  
Forever In Our Hearts ❤️ 

Juan wasn’t just our neighbor, he was our friend of 20 years. Every time he cooked something, especially chicharonnes with green salsa, he’d text or go across the street to offer me some. I never declined. It was always delicious!

I remember years ago, he invited me to go to lunch with Melisa and himself, out of the blue. He probably felt I needed companionship since I’m usually alone in my house. That was truly so nice and kind of him. I was surprised, but very thankful for his thoughtfulness.

He’s always so welcoming when we go to his home. Before I even get to sit down, he would be offering me a plate or he’d have a drink ready for me. And of course I would find myself dancing, the only time I would dance, with him. He always made you very welcome.

I miss him terribly. I don’t understand why God took you so early...  but I hope you are  enjoying the sports wherever you are. We love you and will forever think of you.

I am deeply saddened by Juan’s passing. I met Juan in the Engineering Division and he was a kind, respectful and patient person. I remember him with a smile and enjoying a good laugh. He was a great co-worker. Kindly accept my sincere condolences.  I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time.

Juan was truly an incredible soul, full of strength, love, and much more. My deepest condolences to you for your loss. May God give you patient during these difficult times. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

God Bless you
Huma Nisar
US Army Corps of Engineers

My Corps...my Family...my memories of Juan has always been of respect and loyalty. 
When I first came aboard Juan and the Team of "Civil Design Section A" made me feel welcomed, what a unique family... the Corps family, And I will never forget that...thank you Juan!

My family and I want to send our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.  Our prayers are sincerely with you.

God Bless,
Alma & Scott Anderson Family
🏰  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

My most heartfelt condolences to you and all of Juan's family.  Juan was a dedicated worker that we in USACE had the privilege to work with. Attached is a photo taken on April 7, 2017 at the LB harbor.  I am sorry for you loss, Juan will be greatly missed. 

OBITUARY

Juan Manuel Martinez Jr.

October 12, 1970 – November 28, 2020

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Juan Manuel Martinez Jr.

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