Bob “Bobby” Martinez

Bob “Bobby” Martinez

, 84, of Chandler, AZ

On February 24, 2022, it was the bottom of the 9

th

inning, bases loaded, two down and full count, when Earth ha

d

a strikeout, and Heaven received a grand slam

and our MVP, #25, Bob

Martinez.

Bob was born on January 27, 1938 to Julio and Annie Martinez in Superior, AZ, he was the oldest of five boys.

Bob’s family moved to Chandler, AZ

in

1942.  He attended Chandler Schools and graduated in 1956 fro

m Chandler

High School, where he was a standout 3 sport athlete; baseball, football, basketball.

Bob met his high school sweetheart, Mary Helen

Escandon

, in 1952, and they were wed at the original St. Mary’s Church in Chandler

, in 1

956.  They were blessed with five children, ten grand

children, and three great-grandchildren and two soon to arrive.

Bob was a pillar in the Chandler Community.  He served on many city boards and committees.

Bob received many honors/awards in the community including; being inducted into the

Chandler Sports Hall of Fame, receiving

the key to the city, he was chosen to be a speaker by the Chandler Historical Museum representing his Martinez Family’s deep roots in Chandler.  Bob was especially proud he held the 3A highest batting Avg. of

.659. Bob was also President and originator of CYB, Chandler Youth Baseball. This organization allowed young players of

low-income

families to play baseball with minimal

or no cost to their family.

As a devout Catholic his entire life

, Bob was a very active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and served as an usher for many years. He served on numerous boards at church as well. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, he became a Fourth Degree Knight.  Bob’s greatest desire in life was to serve God, his family,

his friends, and the poor or needy.

Bob spent most of his life as a realtor.  He worked very hard at various jobs to provide for his large family.

These jobs included working for Alpha Beta, sales, co-owner of Martinez Drywall, caterer with Cathy’s Rum Cake Caterers, and one of the jobs he most enjoyed was working at Bueler Mortuary

. Living in Chandler almost his whole life, Bob knew most every family walking thru the doors coming to make arrangements during their time of sorrow. Many

families stated Bob helped them during what was the most heart-breaking time of their lives.

In his free time Bob enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, camping, fishing, listening to Mariachi Music, lots of dancing

,

and attending any sporting event

,

especially those of his children and grandchildren.  Later in life he enjoyed living in Pinetop during the summer months.  Man

y times,

you could find Bob and Helen

dancing on the Orchard dance floor in Pinetop. As a couple they even made the local paper

in Pinetop

.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Julio and Annie Martinez, and his brother, Charlie Martinez.

Bob is survived by his wife Mary Helen Martinez and

children: Robert Martinez Jr. (Brooks), Monica Barraza (Frank), Yvette Rosales (Joe), David Martinez, Theresa Stoll (Andy).

Grandchildren: Rebecca Barraza, Madelyne Martinez (Patrick Boyle), Tim

othy

Barraza

, Victoria Cardenas (Patrick), Justin Rosales (Lauren), Vanessa Howard (Shade), Conner Martinez, Trianne Miller (Bradley), Haley Barraza, Alexi Stoll.

Great-Grandchildren: Rhett and Levi Howard, Marley Miller

, and two soon to come. Brothers: Gilbert Martinez, Arthur Martinez, and David Martinez. Bob is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended relatives.

We love you and will miss you, Bob (Viejo), Dad, Tata!

Viewing and Rosary will be held on Thursday, March 10

th

from 5-8 pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 230

West Galveston Street, Chandler, AZ 85225.

Funeral mass on Friday, March 11

th

at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, burial immediately following at Valley of the Sun Cemeter

y

, 10940 East Chandler Heights Rd. Chandler, AZ 85248.