Mauro Martinez

Mauro Martinez, 92, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2023 in Harlingen, Texas.  He was born to the late Ermodea Laurel and Roman Martinez, a local rancher and realtor, on October 23, 1931 in Ojuelos, Texas (near Hebbronville, Texas).

He moved to Hebbronville, Texas where he attended school and was a graduate of Hebbronville High School, Class of 1951.  He proudly served his country as Airman First Class, U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1955. He served nearly three years at Elmendorf Air Force Base (fka Elmendorf Air Field) in Anchorage, Alaska.  In 1954 Mauro returned to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas where he was honorably discharged on May 30, 1955. He often recounted the impression made on him of the Alaskan climate and overall experience of living in Alaska in the 1950’s.

Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas and the GI Bill awaited Mauro upon completing his military service, which he attended from 1955-1958.  Without question, the best thing about Texas A&I University was Viola Farias of San Benito, Texas. Mauro and Viola almost immediately fell in love with one another and were married June 1, 1958 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in San Benito, Texas.

San Benito Consolidated School District was Mauro’s first professional employer after moving to San Benito, where he taught High School classes for four years. In 1962 he began a new career as a Social Worker with the Texas Department of Human Resources (now known as Texas Department of Health and Human Services).  After multiple promotions Mauro spent a number of years as the Supervisor of the San Benito Office of Health and Human Services. In 1984 the City of San Benito issued a proclamation for “Mauro Martinez Day” in honor and appreciation for his years of public service to the community. His career was very rewarding as he recounted the number of lives touched over 26 years.  Knowing that he was always helping people of little means and in great need, touched his heart and made him feel that he was doing something to improve their lives. After retiring from the State of Texas, Mauro continued part-time social work for the next 10 years in the private sector.  He leveraged his knowledge and experience to help identify public funding for hospital patients who did not have the means to cover necessary medical expenses at Dolly Vincent Hospital in San Benito, Texas.

St. Benedict’s Catholic Church and Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church in San Benito have been the spiritual homes for Mauro since 1959.  He was also an active member of the San Benito community throughout most of those years, where he was very well known to always share a special charm, humor, and positive attitude towards others.  He was a man of deep faith in God and always one to prefer laughter over sadness, as he often advised to try not taking life too seriously.  Being a person of sincere humility, his proudest moments were highlighted by the accomplishments of his sons, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ermodea Laurel and Roman Martinez; his brothers, Hugo Martinez, Roman Martinez Jr., Armando Martinez, Salvador Martinez; sisters, Armandina Martinez, Alicia Lopez, Elva David; and most sadly his son, Mauro Martinez Jr.

Left to treasure Mauro’s memory are his wife, Viola Farias Martinez; his children, Oscar (Olympia), Omar (Pat Perry), Noel (Sheri), his grandchildren, Deborah Thompson (Brandon), Ashley Martinez, Zachary Martinez, Paul Martinez, Tyler Martinez, Christian Martinez, Sean Martinez, Jared Martinez, Maria Martinez, and great grandchildren Kaylan Thompson and Logan Thompson.

The family would like to thank the Parish Priest, the medical staff and caregivers at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen, Valley View Senior Assisted Living, and Amedisys Hospice.

The Martinez family will receive friends and relatives on Sunday, January 7, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home.  A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7 o’clock Sunday evening.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church in San Benito.  Following the Mass, Mauro will be laid to rest at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Paul Martinez, Christian Martinez, Zachary Martinez, Arnoldo Farias Jr., Hector Mancillas, Jared Martinez, Maria Martinez, and Armando Ramirez.  Honorary pallbearers are Deborah Thompson, Ashley Martinez, Sean Martinez, Tyler Martinez, and Joe Cardenas.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in honor of Mauro to Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, 121 Garrison Dr., San Benito, Texas 78586.