Joe Martinez passed on to the next plane of existence this past weekend and has taken residence in the great beyond. He is most likely to be found on Heaven's swankiest golf course or the most comfortable sports bar (the one with the pool table). Joe lived an exceptional life filled with success, love, and family. Early in his life, Joe served in the United States Army, had a decorated career in law enforcement, and retired on three separate occasions. Joe's mantle is filled with countless awards, accolades, medals, and commendations from a plethora of government agencies and entities. He is best known for his work as a United States Postal Inspector as well as a minor starring role in a murder mystery movie whose title is long forgotten to the sands of TV Guides past. To be completely frank, this very whimsical paragraph (which he will most certainly appreciate) is just not capable of containing the sheer amount of awesome contained in his decorated life story. Joe is survived by many, many people to include brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is most often referred to as Papa Joe or Gabe by the people who he loved and cherished. His door was always open and he was willing to help anyone in need. He regularly went above and beyond and was Mother Teresa-like in his empathy and consideration of others. His generosity and patience knew no bounds (unless he was on the golf course with his brother Kenny). We would like this to be considered his application for Canonization (Saint Joe does have a nice ring to it) if anyone from the Catholic Church happens to be reading. Joe leaves behind his loving wife of 28 years, Aida. Their marriage was one of love, excitement, and an unwavering commitment to each other. No matter the obstacle, stress, or event, there was no iceberg that could sink their Titanic. They often could be found in their matching recliners watching investigative shows and sharing life's smaller moments as their family and friends flowed through their home. Their love will surely continue on until they are eventually reunited. It is anyone's guess who will get the chair to the right but we are all confident that there will be bliss and warmth. Finally, Joe was the greatest sports fan in the greater Bay Area, if not the world. He was loyal to his San Francisco Giants and 49ers for most of his time on Earth. In his younger years, he frequented Candlestick Park and the Colosseum and to the day of his transition, he rarely missed a game on TV. He was happiest sharing his fandom with his family and his passion is now one shared by us all. I like to imagine that as you read this, Joe is over your shoulder, in his black Giants shirt and his 49ers hat willing you to be a better fan. His teams repaid his loyalty, letting him witness the golden years of Montana, Young, and Rice and the Orange and Black breaking a 56-year drought three times over. We are confident to say that his life as a fan was a full one and he is now counting on Shanahan and the Gold Rush to win this year's Lombardi just for him. Never one for pomp and circumstance, let's just leave this here: Rest in Power Papa Joe. We are all better for having you in our lives and we will see you soon. Keep the beer cold, the coffee hot, and a seat open for us all in what is sure to be the best party in the Great Beyond.
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