Leroy Martinez

January 5, 1947 - February 1, 2021

Leroy J. Martinez, age 74, of Highland, California, fought courageously with Covid-19, but passed away on February 1, 2021, in San Bernardino, California. Leroy is preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Mary Martinez and his brother, Jimmy Martinez, from Amarillo, Texas. Leroy is survived by his loving wife, Irene Martinez from Highland, CA. Daughters, Xochitil Setlich and Marisa Martinez of Chino, CA, son, Carlos Martinez of Tustin, CA, and stepson, Sam Guillen of Redlands, CA; 7 grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and family and friends. He is also dearly remembered by his brothers, Michael Martinez of La Porte, TX, Gregory Martinez of Amarillo, TX, sisters, Ana Herrera and Elia Garcia of Amarillo, TX; and by his second family, brothers, John Martinez of Albuquerque, NM, Richard Martinez of Irvine CA, Sammy Martinez of Covington, WA; sisters Barbara Burnett of Henderson, NV, and Kris Ouwenga of Rochester, NY. Leroy was born in Amarillo, TX on January 5, 1947, and graduated from Caprock High School Amarillo, TX. He received his BA in 1974 from the University of NM, and his MA in Education in 1976 from Harvard University, Cambridge, MA., and worked on his Ph.D. at Boston University, MA. Leroy established himself in California in 1974, where he taught school grades K - 12. He was also an Educational Advocate for students and parents and a Community Activist. After his teaching career of 35 years he retired with his wife, Irene, in Highland, CA. He was an enthusiastic guitar player from a very young age, playing with The Blue Velvets in Amarillo, TX, and ended his guitar career, due to Covid-19, playing for the choir at St. John Bosco Mission, Highland, CA. His hobbies, included Art, Music, Opera, Writing, Reading, Dancing, and devoting time to his family and multitude of friends. Leroy served proudly in the US Army from 1966 - 1968. A private military service will be held on March 5, 2021 at the Riverside National Cemetery, located in Riverside, CA. A memorial mass will be held on April 9, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Adelaide Catholic Church, 27457 Base Line St., Highland, CA 92346 and burial at 1:00 p.m. at Montecito Memorial Park Cemetary at 3520 Washington St., Colton, CA 92324