John Vincent Martinez, born on February 6, 1944, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Jose and Estella Martinez, passed away in peace on July 22, 2025, in Norfolk, Virginia, at the age of 81.

Preceded in death by his Wife, Linda Ellen Martinez, of Paradise, California, they remained married for 53 wonderful years, raising their family in Chico, California. John leaves behind his cherished Sons, Vince S. Martinez and Nick D. Martinez. He also leaves behind four Grandchildren: Shawn Martinez, Allison Martinez, John Cade Martinez and Andrew Talan Martinez.

John lived his life as a jack-of-all-trades. Leaving his hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico early-on, he followed his brothers to the city of San Francisco and enlisted in the United States Navy. After completing his enlistment, he went on to work for Pan American Airlines as an Aviation Technician before moving on to becoming a utility pole climber for Pacific, Gas and Electric company in Northern California. During one of his many trips, John discovered the town of Chico and moved his budding family there in 1978 after marrying his lovely Wife in 1969, and having their first child in 1971, and second in 1973.

In Chico, John became a business owner of The Deli restaurant and delicatessen and became a staple in the community. His small restaurant employed many local college students, served unmatched sandwiches to the city’s finest Police and Firefighters, collaborated on other entrepreneurial endeavors in the background, and eventually moved on to other business adventures to support his family. After retirement, John enjoyed his final job driving a city bus for the Chico Department of Transportation, where many bus riders came to know and love his cheerful demeanor and radiant sense of humor. Beyond retirement, John and Linda eventually departed Chico to move closer to family; first to Denver, Colorado, to be near Vince and his family; and then to Virginia Beach, Virginia, to be near Nick and his family.

Upon Linda’s passing on 12 October 2022, John stayed the course for two years before finally departing this world of a broken heart and failing health. His family was by his bedside as he left this earth to reunite with his lovely Wife and Lord and Savior.

John will be remembered as a loving and devoted Husband and Father, a proud and cheerful Grandfather, a prominent business owner, an active community member, a loyal Patriot, and an honored U.S. Navy disabled Veteran.

At this time, no services have been scheduled. His family appreciates the support and condolences extended to them during this time of loss.

The family requests donations be made in honor of John’s life and health battle to the American Cancer Society.

Simply Cremation is assisting John's family with the arrangements.