Robert "Nano" Martinez Jr.

Robert Martinez Jr. (Family Nickname: Nano) passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at the age of 82. He was a resident of the City of Montebello, CA. He was the oldest of three children to his Dad (Robert Martinez Sr.) and Mom (Nina Orosco Martinez). Robert is survived by his two sons (Robert Martinez III and Joseph Martinez) along with Robert’s youngest Sister Elizabeth Bray. Robert leaves behind 4 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 9 nieces & nephews.

Robert was married twice. His first wife was Jean and their son, Robert Martinez III lives in Oceanside, CA with his wife Gloria. They have 3 children - Ronequa, Demetrius and Denneshia who have a total of 10 children. Robert remarried and had 3 other children with his second wife Carmen Perez, who passed away in 2011. Their daughter Pauline (recently passed away in 2022), then 2 sons, Joseph who lives in Texas with his wife Denita and their daughter Kassandra and Robert & Carmen’s youngest son John, born in 1982 (passed away at 11 months old).

Robert grew up in East Los Angeles and graduated from Roosevelt High School. He and his sister Maria Elena (Family Nicknames: Nana, China, Mary Helen, passed away in 2014) hung out with their buddies in the neighborhood. Robert was always musically talented. He always belonged to a band and was an expert Saxophone player. His 1st band used to practice nightly in his parent’s basement on Commings Street in E.L.A. He then went on to continue with his music and playing his saxophone for all!

“Bobby O”, as he said friends liked to call him, had a passion for music. While playing with several different bands throughout the years he would travel to gigs to play for weddings, parks, night clubs, and restaurants and more. Often he’d go to gatherings and play his saxophone solos for his friends and family functions!

He worked during the day by driving big rig trucks and forklifts for 29 years, retiring at the young age of 55. He then spent lots of time listening to all types of music (Mexican, Jazz, Rock & Roll, but he was especially fond of Oldies but Goodies). He would continue to try to play his saxophone until doctors advised him to stop due to a problem with his throat. But he would always continue to reminisce about his playing music days and visiting his friends from time to time. At home he took care of himself the best he could with some family help and other care providers. He loved to watch the old movie classics along with sports on TV such as Baseball (loving the Dodgers), basketball (Laker fan) and football (Go Raiders).

Robert succumbed to his illnesses after almost three months of serious health issues and being in the hospital and Skilled Nursing facilities for rehabilitation. He fought all the way and was ready to return to his residence even after 3 setbacks but after the 4th setback, God sent for him to take his place in heaven. He was loved by his family and friends and will surely be missed. Prayers to all that loved him!

There will be a Viewing visitation of Robert at Rose Hills Memorial Park (Mortuary Chapel, Room 120) in Whittier, CA on Monday, July 17, 2023 between the hours of 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm."