Jose Gerardo Martinez was born in Nogales, Arizona on August 7, 1931, and passed away on July 19, 2025, in Tucson. He was a longtime resident of Nogales, but lived in Patagonia for over 30 years.
Jose is survived by his children, Ernesto Martinez, Adrian Martinez and Norma Alicia Martinez Wall. His oldest son Gerardo Martinez passed away just six days later in his home in Colorado from a heart attack.
Jose is also survived by his brothers Marco Martinez, Jose Gerardo “Pepe” Martinez and Arturo Naegelin and his sister Cecilia Martinez Karls.
Jose was predeceased in death by his parents, Jose Martinez and Julia Naegelin Martinez, brother Francisco Edgardo Martinez and sisters Carmen Martinez Islas and Margot Martinez White. He was also predeceased in death of his wife, Alicia Oros Martinez.
Jose spent over 40 years in law enforcement as a police officer, border patrol agent and immigration officer inspector. He retired as a Customs Patrol officer in Nogales, Arizona.
Jose was a caring son, great father, brother and friend, and will be missed.
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln.