Albert Martinez

Albert Martinez, a Senior Financial Advisor in Brea, CA passed away on January 5, 2020, in Chino Hills, CA after a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.

Al was born in Hemet, CA on August 1, 1944 to Eutiquio & Amparo Martinez. He grew up in the Imperial Valley with 5 siblings. He often spoke fondly about his modest beginnings on Jasper Road which led him to pursue his love of agriculture and wrestling at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. His time at Cal Poly was short as he was drafted into the United States Army in 1966. A standout recruit, Al was sent to Officer Candidate School where he earned his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. During this time he married the love of his life, Ofelia. In 1969 Al left the Army as a 1st Lt to begin his civilian life in Los Angeles, CA, with his wife and newborn daughter, Michelle.

While working in a management position for a distribution company, Al welcomed his second daughter, Melissa, in 1974 and completed his degree from Cal State Fullerton in Business Administration. His savvy for numbers and business prompted him to begin his own tax and financial consulting business, which became a successful venture over the years. Upon his passing he had been working as a senior financial advisor for over 43 years. His dedication to his clients made him a unique and trusting advisor, and a friend.

Als passion was running. He completed over 50 marathons since 1995 and qualified for the Boston Marathon 3 times. His best marathon achievement was running the iconic 100th Boston Marathon in a time of 3:15.

Those that knew him recognized what a devoted husband, father and grandfather he always was. His love of travel took him many places shared with his wife, Ofie, family and friends. Most recently, he enjoyed trips to the AF Academy to visit his grandson, Connor, and cheer on the Air Force Falcons baseball team. Although he will be incredibly missed, his legacy of laughter, living life to its fullest and love will last a lifetime.

Albert is survived by his wife, Ofelia; daughters, Michelle (Kevin) Clancy and Melissa (Brad) Dawson; sisters, Maria Angulo, Aurelia de la Rosa, and Linda Aguirre; brothers, Manuel and Gary Martinez; and 3 grandsons, Connor Clancy and Quentin and Brent Dawson.

A Mass will be celebrated at 10am on Thursday, January 16th at St. Martin de Porres Church, 19767 Yorba Linda Blvd, in Yorba Linda, CA. Interment will follow with military honors at Loma Vista Memorial Park, 701 E Bastanchury Rd, in Fullerton, CA, and a reception will be held at Yorba Linda Country Club, 19400 Mountain View Avenue, in Yorba Linda from 1-4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors.