Sifredo “Fred” Adelaido Martinez died after a long and courageous battle with cancer in his home Nov.1, 2023 in Bullhead City, AZ at the age of 82. He is survived by; his wife Amelia Ybarra, his children Melinda Martinez and Paul Martinez (Christina), the mother of his children Marion Martinez; grandchildren Isaac, Nikkole and Jimmy.
Step-children; Apolonio, Victor and Loen; great grandchildren; Joseph and Maxine; siblings Helen Garcia, Carlos (Linda) Martinez, Fabian (Marian) Martinez, Edward Martinez, Jenette Martinez and Jose “Coco” Archuleta (Patricia), sisters-in-law Francis and Vivian Martinez, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Adelaido and Leontina Martinez, his siblings Eulalia Gonzales, Bennie Scotch, Luis, Sigfredo, Amarante, and Bernabe Martinez.
Sifredo was born on April 17, 1941, in Medanales, NM to Adelaido and Leontina Martinez. He graduated from El Rito High School in 1961 where he played football and was on the State Championship basketball team in 1959. He proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and in the Navy Reserves. He started his family in Southern California, and upon retirement moved to Bullhead City, AZ.
He attended various community colleges including Rio Hondo Community College, and El Camino Community College where he studied drafting, mechanical engineering, air conditioning, and real estate. He began working for Rockwell International as a draftsman and retired from Northrop Grumman as an aerospace engineer, which included designs for Nasa’s Space Shuttle program.
A vigil will be held at Dimond and Sons Funeral Home in Bullhead City, AZ on Tuesday Nov. 21 at 11am. Rosary and mass with reception to follow at St Margaret Mary’s Church on Nov. 21 at 1:30pm. The funeral is scheduled for Nov. 22 at 10:40am at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, NV.
If you would like to attend virtually, please contact Melinda Martinez via email melindasharee@gmail.com.
The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the Phoenix Cancer Center, Desert Hearts Nursing and Home Care and his caregivers for their skill and care.