Joe Rivera Martinez

Weslaco- Joe Rivera Martinez, 60, passed away suddenly after an accident on Friday, April 15th.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lucia R and Joe Angel Martinez. He is survived by his sons, Joe Omar Martinez and Oscar Martinez (Carla). He is also survived by his wife Guadalupe Martinez, his step daughters, Deborah Martinez and Gilda Sauceda, and step-son, Lee Roy Martinez, all of Weslaco. He is also survived by his sisters, Sylvia Martinez of San Antonio, Bethavez Garza (Rolando), of Weslaco, and Belinda Villalpando (Alberto) of Weslaco, and his brothers, Alfredo Martinez (Cory) of Houston, and David Martinez (Rubelina) of Weslaco.

Joe was born in Chicago, Illinois. His family moved to Weslaco when he was six years old, where he was raised. He went to St. Joan of Arc Catholic School and finished high school at Weslaco High where he graduated with Honors, WISD class of 1974. He then went to St. Edwards University in Austin where he studied Business Administration. Joe spent most of his career preparing taxes. He worked with Hidalgo County WIC Department for nearly 20 years. He also worked in home health for a while as a provider. Joe spent many years caring for his uncle, his mom and dad later in life. He was very loving and cared for all of them until there deaths. He seemed to know a lot about mostly everything.

Joe also loved to explore, when he was younger, he loved to hunt and fish with his dad, uncles and all of the Martinez relatives.

He enjoyed sports but his favorite pastime was politics and watching television. He loved Ellen and Price is Right. Joe also loved to explore.

Joe will always be remembered as someone who had a positive outlook on everything. He was honest, sincere, strong and just a happy person.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2-8pm, with a 6pm Rosary and a prayer service at 7pm. Chapel service will be held on Thursday at 10am at McCaleb Chapel with interment at Sacred Park Cemetery in Mercedes.