FRANCISCO “FRANK” MARTINEZ
Sunrise – December 2, 1926
Sunset – December 19, 2022

Francisco “Frank” Martinez, 96, lived life to the fullest. He was sharp-witted and a lucid thinker to the end; immaculately-organized; always-dapper; a “foodie” well before the word existed; a never-wrong (just ask him!) basketball player, coach, and analyst; an accomplished traveler; a sports and world events statistician; and a stoic leader to many. Frank entered eternal rest on December 19, 2022.

Frank most recently called Haymarket, VA his home, but his life’s journey led him to live for periods in many beautiful locations around the world, including Spain, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. From being a small boy in Asturias, Spain, begging to tag along with his father to siderias, where he was mesmerized by how cider pouring is performance art, to spending relaxing sunsets on the warm, golden beaches of San Juan with his love and soulmate of 62 years, Ana Luz Martinez (nee Zayas), Frank navigated a unique course full of wondrous adventures.

Born in Tampa, FL, Frank followed in his restaurateur-father’s footsteps and chose to pursue retail for his career path. Frank quickly developed sales skills enabling him to eventually become a long-time store manager for Belk Inc. Colleagues called him “Mr. Martinez,” deferring to his stern-yet-friendly leadership style. Frank retired as manager of Belk’s flagship store in New Port Richey, FL, in 1991. In addition to his nearly 50-year career in the retail industry, Frank had many passions, including sports, model building, and being a dessert connoisseur (ice cream and cake expert), and he was heavily involved with his community, which was recognized by his peers when Frank was named Rotarian of the Year for 1986-1987.

Notwithstanding his professional accolades, Frank was a most proud and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His family will always cherish the effervescent holiday parties he hosted in Ana’s and his Palm Harbor, FL, home where you could always find available his signature deviled eggs, where he would implore you to try one more slice of his select Genoa salami, and to where lively conversation always turned to his zealous support of his Tampa Bay Buccaneers and other Florida sports teams. He will be truly missed by so many.

Frank was preceded in death by father Angel Martinez, mother Francisca “Panchita” Martinez, brother Angel “Tito” Martinez (Caroline), sisters Maria Garcia (Genaro) and Esperanza Fernandez (Juan), niece Mary Frances Sajovetz (Robert), and nephew Juan “Johnny” Fernandez. Frank is survived by his devoted wife, Ana Luz Martinez, daughters Michelle Grinstead (Charlie) and Sandra Martinez (Rob), sons Frank Martinez (Pam), Anthony Martinez (Kim), and Francisco Martinez (Anna-Lee), nephews Genaro “Jerry” Garcia (Terri) and Angel “Cookie” Martinez (Jamie) and many, many beloved grandchildren, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, great-grandchildren, cousins, and friends.

Sundays and football will never be the same.
Never one to waste time finding the finer things, Frank has already found the best tavern in heaven and said to the barkeep “…so, set ’em up, Joe.”

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