The Life of JOHN MARTINEZ
John S. Martinez was born on October 28, 1953 and died on October 11, 2002. He was a well-known and respected member of the Connecticut state legislature and rose to the level of deputy minority leader. At the time of his death, he was an emerging figure not only in Connecticut, but also in national Hispanic politics. He represented New Haven's 95th House District, which includes the city's Fair Haven, Hill and Wooster Square neighborhoods.
A statement released by his legislative office said that his career centered around "compassion for the underprivileged." As a member of the state Judiciary Committee, he devoted his time to fighting for the poor and for racial minorities, in particular, the nomination of black and Hispanic judges to the state bench.
In the New Haven community, Martinez was best known for his work with
Latino youth. He was a staunch advocate for the Latino community and
often lobbied on its behalf.
Martinez was the head of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, which was an organization that he had helped found. Friends stated that he was tenacious about the causes that were near and dear to his heart and that he was gracious and could easily win over any audience with his intellect, earthly demeanor, and
gracious personality.
On this tenth anniversary of John Martinez' death, it is right to pay him tribute, to remember him and all that he had contributed to his family, friends, community, state, and nation.
John S. Martinez is resting at Evergreen Cemetery.
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