Danilo C. Martinez's Obituary
Martinez, Danilo “Danny”, 86, of Clearwater, FL, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on October 9, 2016. Danny is survived by Doris, his wife of 62 years, his children Gregg and wife Wenda, Scott, and Danene Rice and husband Tyler; his grandchildren Tyson, Spencer and Jensen Rice; his sisters Palmira Fernandez and Hilda (DeeDee) Tornillo; his brother Elvin Martinez and wife Sylvia; along with 20 nephews and nieces and their spouses and children. He was preceded in death by brothers Andrew, Gregory, and William (Julie) Martinez, sisters Zoraida Gullo and Matilda Garcia, and nieces Viann Guzman and Barbara Luetkemeyer.
Danny was born on September 14, 1930, in West Tampa, to Gregorio and Palmira Martinez. His family was one of the first 19 families to settle in Tampa, and he fondly recalled growing up there with his brothers, sisters and many childhood friends.
He earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from St. Louis University and Milwaukee School of Engineering, and served four years in the U.S. Air Force. As an engineer, he helped develop instrumentation for the first nuclear submarines in the U.S. Navy. He also designed and developed numerous welding processes that resulted in US patents and many awards from the American Welding Society. He was sought after to conduct training schools, to consult in engineering, and to serve as an expert speaker. This past January, he accompanied his family to the Panama Canal where one of his engineering projects is still in use today.
Regardless of his achievements as an engineer, Danny derived great pride, love and passion from his large family, holding an extra special place in his heart for his grandchildren as well as his children’s dogs. He devoted his time to family pursuits and spent countless hours cheering on his grandchildren in football, wrestling and academics. He greeted everyone with a smile and always acted with grace and kindness. He has been a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church the past 42 years.
Viewing will be from 6 to 8 pm, Friday, Oct 21, at the Moss Feaster Funeral Home on Belcher Road. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am, Saturday, Oct 22, at Church of the Ascension in Clearwater. Burial services will be held at 1:30 pm, Monday, Oct 24, at the National Cemetery in Sarasota. In lieu of flowers, please consider Danny’s passions – Clearwater High School, 540 S Hercules Ave, Clearwater, FL 33764 or Spanish Lyric Theater, 6402 Olympia Ave, Tampa, FL 33634. Both Attn: Danilo Martinez Memorial
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