Noberto Seledonio Martinez

Born on May 7, 1933 in Questa, New Mexico to Alberto and Urciña Martinez, Dad passed away on September 13, 2019, after a valiant 6 week struggle. He was surrounded by his wife, his Children, and many of his Grandchildren.
Beloved by all who knew him, Noberto answered to many names: Nobby, Dad, Pop, Grandpa, Pompo, Gramps, Viejo, B-Ho, and Papa. I suppose that this is what happens when you have 6 Children, 19 Grand Children, and 12 Great Grand Children. One of Dad’s trademark moves was to provide each child, grandchild and great grandchild with a “nickname”; a special individual gift to each of us.
Dad served his Country as a Medic in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Germany. He received the National Defense Service Medal – Army Occupational Medal (Germany) – and Good Conduct Medal.
Dad returned from the Army and 39 days later married Mom (Esther Rodriguez) on May 1, 1955 in Grand Junction Colorado. Soon after, in 1957 they moved to Salt Lake City to lay down their own roots. A Baker by trade, Dad was key in providing bakery products that “help build strong bodies”. Dad was a quiet man, a true “Peace Keeper”, and always tried to avoid conflict. Dad always tried to be self-sufficient, and never wanted to feel like he was a bother to others. Dad was an excellent planner, and he made sure to address every detail. Dad was extremely hard working, and made sure that the family never went without. Dad always had words of wisdom to share, and gave good advice, even when it wasn’t going to be popular with Mom. Dad also possessed a quiet sense of humor, and he will be remembered for picking up the phone after the 3rd ring stating “If it rings more than once, nobody is home”, then quietly hanging it up.
Dad had a few hobbies; fishing was one of them that he enjoyed, while fixing broken items around the house was one that he didn’t. Being a “Boxer” in the Army, Dad loved to watch boxing, and we all grew up watching the great boxing matches over the years, side by side. Dad enjoyed vacationing with his children, and was ALWAYS ready for a trip to Vegas or Wendover to play Blackjack. But perhaps the most enjoyable of his hobbies was “Flying”. In his forties, Dad decided that he wanted to learn how to “Fly”. Mom, being ever supportive, encouraged him, and after completing his flying lessons and a successful solo flight, Dad was officially an aircraft pilot. Shortly after getting his pilot’s license, Dad decided to purchased an airplane – the same type that he learned to fly during his training – he once said “This is what I learned to fly, I’m comfortable flying this, why would I want to change”. Dad’s friends, and family members (both immediate, and extended family) who were adventurous (or brave) enough to go flying with him, were provided with many adventures over the years. Flying through canyons, in rain storms, during the evening hours, and sometimes with his kids at the controls, provided all sorts of excited emotions and body responses from the sometimes nervous and worried passengers. In 1989, Dad decided to sell his airplane, and purchase a turbo charged sports car (the fastest car in Japan at the time); telling me that “You’re the only one that will go flying with me, and now that you’re moving away for school, there’s no one left to go flying with”. Dad enjoyed his sports car, but it was pretty obvious that he enjoyed flying so much more.
Dad was always there for us, and supported each and every one of us through the good times, and through the most difficult times of our lives; He never wanted to “bother us” or feel like he was being a
burden in any way whatsoever. He had a special relationship with each of his children. There will be a major hole in our hearts, and we will miss him tremendously. Thank you dad for being such a wonderful and loving man to all of us. The family tree has grown quite large now, and Dad loved each and every one of us – unconditionally. Until we meet again, we will love you and never forget you. We Love You Dad!
Dad is survived by his wife of 64 years, Esther, and his six children; Ronald (Twila), Janie May Martinez, Donna (Ray) Wilson, Joyce (Ken) Miles, Richard (Terina), Billie Jo (Frank) Lucero.
Dad was reunited with his father and mother, along with two brothers and a sister who preceded him to heaven.
A viewing will be held on Friday September 20, 2019 at Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah, from 6:00 pm – 8:00pm, as well as Saturday September 21, from 12pm – 1:30 pm.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Memorial Redwood Mortuary & Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah.
Service Information
Viewing September 20, 2019 at 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123





Viewing September 21, 2019 at 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123





Funeral Service
September 21, 2019 at 2:00 PM
6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123