Jose Severo Martinez's Obituary
José Severo Martinez, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and man of faith, was called home to be with the Lord on April 21, 2026, at his home in Arcola, Texas. He was 76.
Born October 31, 1949, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, José was raised in Santurce by his parents, Severo Martinez and Balbina Mercado. His early years on the island shaped a lifelong love of culture, family, and community. As a young man, he left Puerto Rico to serve his country in the United States Air Force, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. Following his military service, he settled in Illinois, where he began both his career in education and the next chapter of his life.
In 1978, he married Elizabeth Anne Miller, beginning a partnership that would span 47 years and anchor a close-knit family. Together they made their home in Aurora, Illinois, where they raised their children, Joshua Miguel Martinez and Julianne Boyd. As a family, they loved taking road trips across America, creating lasting memories along the way, and José took special joy in helping his children explore their love of music through deep dives into his classic rock collection.
José dedicated 33 years to education as a teacher in the West Aurora School District. He believed learning should be experienced, not just taught, and was known for bringing lessons to life in ways his students never forgot—whether through his legendary salsa-tasting competitions or annual field trips to the Chicago Auto Show to make economics tangible. He founded the school’s first Hispanic Heritage Club, Alianza Hispana, creating a space for students to celebrate culture and identity.
In later years, José and Elizabeth moved to Texas, where they remained surrounded by family. A man of deep Christian faith, José found joy and strength in studying the Bible and living out his beliefs in quiet, consistent ways. He was an active member of Houston’s First Baptist Church–Sienna and its Pursuit Life Group.
Above all, José treasured time with his family. He delighted in being with his children and especially in spoiling his grandchildren, taking every opportunity to be present in their lives. He also carried lifelong passions for sports, inspired in his youth by Puerto Rican hero Roberto Clemente, which led to his enduring loyalty to the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers. He enjoyed film, music, cooking, and continued to study his faith.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Anne Martinez of Arcola, Texas; his son, Joshua Miguel Martinez, his wife Richelle Martinez, and their sons Jesse and Joseph of New Braunfels, Texas; and his daughter, Julianne Boyd, her husband John, and their daughters Emmeline and Annabelle of Missouri City, Texas.
A time of fellowship for family and friends will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at South Park Funeral Home in Pearland, Texas, with the memorial service beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Houston’s First Baptist Church–Sienna in support of its missions and outreach programs (https://www.houstonsfirst.org/give).
José will be remembered for his steady faith, generous spirit, and the lasting impact he made on his family, his students, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He now rests in the presence of the Lord he faithfully served.
Click the link here to watch the service via Live stream if you can attend in person:
https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/jose-martinez-service
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