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Robert Vidal Martinez Robert Vidal Martinez was born on April 28, 1935, to Luis and Mary Martinez in Oxnard, California. Robert was the father of ten children: Robert Jr., Regina, Vidal, Louis, Doreen, Patrick, Oly, Christine, April, and Anna. He was also blessed with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Juanita Salazar Martinez, who passed away in 2018. Together they shared 37 happy years of marriage. Robert is survived by his children Patrick, Oly, April, and Anna. Robert spent his early years in Oxnard before moving with his family to Biola, California, where they worked as a farmworker picking figs and grapes throughout the Central Valley. He later enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country from 1950 to 1958. During the Korean War, he served in combat as a tank driver and was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. Following his military service, Robert returned to Biola, where he worked as a gas station attendant and mechanic before eventually owning and operating his own cleaning business until retirement. He was a talented woodworker, painter, and plant enthusiast who enjoyed working with his hands and creating things that would last. Robert was a private and quiet man. He often had much on his mind but chose his words carefully, speaking only when he felt it mattered. When he did share his thoughts, he was honest and straightforward, never afraid to tell it like it was. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially making people laugh by telling jokes, playfully teasing the children in the family, watching old Western cowboy movies, listening to music, singing along to his favorite songs, whistling, cooking meals, fishing, deep sea fishing and spending time gardening among his plants. Robert passed peacefully on June 7, 2026, in Fresno, California, where he spent his later years surrounded by family and the memories of a life well lived. His strength, wisdom, and humor will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through the family he cherished and the countless lives he touched throughout his 91 years. Private Services will be held by the family.

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Robert V. Martinez

April 28, 1935 - June 7, 2026