Francisco Martinez Jr.

 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Francisco Martinez Jr., known to many as "Pancho". Francisco was born on August 1, 1953, and he departed this life to be with the Lord on May 18, 2025  in Houston, Texas. He was the beloved firstborn son of Francisco and Maria Lidia Martinez. Frank grew up in the Rio Grande Valley,  where he grew his love for family, faith, travel and motorcycles.

Francisco was raised in McAllen, TX where he married his first love Delfina Pena Martinez and was later stationed at Cannon Air Force base in Clovis, NM before settling in Mission, TX where they raised five children. 

Frank was a boy scout. Frank grew up visiting  state and national parks with his parents and also loved to camp which Frank and Delfina shared this joy of travel with their kids.

Frank was a 1971 McHigh graduate. He was a member of the marching band and grew his love of music by playing the coronet. 

After Frank joined the United States Airforce, he continued his love of travel being sent to places like Australia. Frank was a proud United States Veteran. He made sure his family knew the importance of all veterans and their families. After settling in Mission, they joined St. John of the Fields Catholic Church where Frank became a CCD teacher, marriage counselor and a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 20 years. One of Frank's many passions was being a servant of the lord. And he helped many along their spiritual journey.

Frank gave over 35 years  to the United States Postal Service until he retired.

One of Frank's greatest joys and proudest feelings came from becoming a grandfather. Frank made it a priority to show up for his kids and grandkids many times driving for hours to make a birthday party, recital and sports events even if he needed to return home the same day.

Frank enjoyed his social clubs with his McHigh class of 71, his motorcycle riding friends, his hot rod friends and anyone else who was ready to have breakfast or lunch. Frank often enjoyed his motorcycle trips and especially loved his annual road glide shark week trip. Many times if Frank and Delfina were traveling their kids tried to plan their trips around their parents because they were always doing something the kids wanted to be apart of.

Frank's infectious smile, jokester personality and child like spirit will be missed dearly but his family treasures their memories especially in looking for the strength for comfort in this time of great loss.

Francisco is survived by his wife Delfina (Pena) Martinez, five children; Francisco (Becky) Martinez III, Fernando (Margarita Elisa) Martinez, Desandra (Jim) Gonser, Federico (Angela) Martinez, Delma (Enrique) Gomez, eight grandchildren Francisco Martinez IV, Isabella Rae Martinez, Fernando Zaid Martinez, Natalia Elyse Martinez, Daniella Gonser, Enrique Santiago Gomez, Sofía Delina Gomez, Ezra Martinez, five sisters; Marianela Martinez, Maria Elena (Wesley) Keville, M. Miriam Herrera (Gregor Kovacic), Lyn Herrera (Felix Torres), Elisheva Herrera, and two brothers; Eliodoro Herrera, Jr. and Ephraim Abel Herrera.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm Monday, May 26, 2025 with the Holy Rosary being recited at 7:00 pm at Rivera Funeral Home, 1813 N. Conway Ave., Mission. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am at St John of the Fields Catholic Church, 1052 Washington Ave., McAllen. Interment will follow at 11 am at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery, 2520 Inspiration Rd., Mission. 

Services have been entrusted to the care of Rivera Funeral Home of McAllen.

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