Gregorio “Goyo” Martinez, 72, passed away peacefully in his home in Metuchen on April 27, 2020. He was surrounded by his devoted wife of 44 years, Carol Ann Martinez, his three adoring children, Nicole Martinez, Cristina Martinez and her husband Robert O’Hare, and Gregory Martinez and his wife Megan, and his loved mother-in-law, Marilyn Zawadsky.
Born in Madrid, Spain on August 28, 1947, Goyo moved to Boston, Massachusetts in 1974 where he met, fell in love with and wed Carol in 1976. The pair ultimately settled in Metuchen where they raised their children. Goyo, ever the hard worker, taught himself English and graduated from Rutgers University in New Brunswick. He worked as a computer systems engineer until his retirement. He loved his town and coached generations of kids in soccer, and kept a few referees on their toes. To further serve his community in his retirement, he became a crossing guard and brought joy to many of Metuchen’s school children. Goyo’s greatest pride was his family, for whom his love knew no bounds. He instilled in each of his children a commitment to education, hard-work, integrity and, above all, family.
Goyo kept a treasured space in his heart for all things Spain, but most of all for his beloved family who remain in Madrid – his sister, Maria del Pino Martin and her effusive husband, Fernando, who Goyo joins in heaven, his brother Juan Roque Martinez, and his 10 nieces and nephews and 7 grand-nieces and nephews in Spain. Goyo is predeceased by his parents, Nemesia Gil and Gregorio Martinez.
Goyo was known for his engaging personality, kind spirit and flavor for life. He cherished summers at the beach, trips to Key Largo, Florida, joyful homecomings to Spain, and family gatherings where he would make his famous paella. He is cherished by the family he leaves behind all across the world, including his wife, children, mother-in-law, sister and brother, six brothers/sisters-in-law, 22 nieces and nephews, and 7 grand-nieces and nephews.
To honor his memory in a socially conscious manner, Goyo’s family will be outside of his home at 91 Maple Avenue, Metuchen to greet drivers-by between the hours of 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2020. The family will also host a virtual memorial service by invitation at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Goyo’s memory to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and use the “Designation” of Cancer Hospital: https://www.rwjbh.org/rwj-university-hospital-new-brunswick/giving/give-now/