It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Juan A. Martinez, 81, affectionately known as Ruben, on March 18, 2021.
He was born in Hatillo, Puerto Rico but spent most of his life in New Jersey. He worked as an Inspector for the former General Motors Assembly Plant in Linden for 35 years before retiring. He loved fast cars, working with leather, gardening and playing dominoes. Anyone who knew him can appreciate the kind, gentle and good hearted person he was. Although he was short in stature, his heart was as big as they come. He will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him.
He is predeceased by his parents, Gregoria Roman and Hipalito Rios-Martinez and his sister Eva Moreno. He is survived by his children, Angel and his wife Janette, Rubin and his wife Gladys and, Debbie and her husband Joe; his brother Reinaldo and his wife Lena; his grandchildren, Jess, Sydney, Joseph and Aaliyah, and; many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Spotswood Funeral Home, 475 Main Street, Spotswood on Sunday, March 21st, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Funeral Services will begin on Monday, March 22nd with a 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial from Immaculate Conception Church in Spotswood. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery, Tampa, Florida, beside his mother and sister. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions placed on gatherings and activities, all current guidelines are to be observed during visitations, including the use of face coverings and social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, donations honoring Juan's memory may be made to a charity of one's choosing.