Arturo Burrell Martinez

Arturo Martinez, loving husband, father and Tata passed away at his home on Saturday, April 9 at the age of 95. Arturo was surrounded by his loving wife Elena and children. Arturo was born on January 10, 1927, in Hayden, Arizona to Jose and Benigna Martinez. He was raised, lived, and worked in Tucson, Arizona Arturo met his devoted and loving wife Elena in 1953 were married in 1957. They had eight children and in May of this year they would have celebrated 65 years of marriage.

Arturo is a military veteran, served proudly with the US Army and spent some time in Germany in 1951/1952. Arturo worked for the City of Tucson; Parks and Recreation Department for 33 years retiring in 1989. Arturo is survived by his wife Elena and their children Jose and Antonio (twins), Rosenda, David, Francisco, Arturo Jr., Rene and Chris. Arturo is survived by his brothers Bobby and Gilbert Martinez. Arturo is survived by 20 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Arturo was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Benigna as well as his sister Josefina, and brothers Alfredo, Francisco, Luis, Adolfo and Arnulfo.

Arturo will always be remembered as a strong, hardworking, devoted and faithful man. He was a devote Catholic, an ordained deacon at St. Johns the Evangelist Church. He is also famous for his big smile and his quick laugh. He cherished and loved his family, especially all his grandchildren and the great grandchildren who adored their Tata Turo. Arturo will also be remembered for his ability to grow things. His ability to fix just about anything, there was not anything he could not grow or fix…he was proud to say, “he was a jack of all trades”. His love for music was expressed by his self-taught guitar playing as well as the mandolin and the accordion.

He touched the lives of many friends, not just family and he will be remembered every time we see blooming flowers and trees.