Casimiro Martinez

Casimiro "Marty" Bravo Martinez left us physically here on Earth at his home in Garner, NC, on May 31st. As his family stood by his side, our hearts felt empty, but we knew that his loving wife, Carolyn Frost Martinez, had been waiting with open arms since her passing 12 days prior on May 19th, as well as their son, James Richard Martinez, who passed at the age of 4 in 1971.

Marty was born on December 16, 1940, to Casimiro and Dolores Martinez. He humorously stated that he was born in St. Joseph, MO, home of Jesse James, the Pony Express, and, of course, him. Marty proudly joined the Navy immediately after graduating from Christian Brothers High School in St. Joseph, MO, in 1958. He said he wanted to serve his country and also hoped to travel and see the world before settling down with a wife and family.

After his return, he taught business classes at Platt College. Marty then met a beautiful, funny, and loving woman who completed him, and they became husband and wife on February 11, 1966. During their 59-year union, this year, Marty and Carolyn celebrated many wonderful memories of love, laughter, happiness, joy, challenges, and family together.

Marty worked in the purchasing department at Sprout Waldron in St. Joseph, MO, and was later transferred to Pennsylvania. He later changed jobs to work for Flowserve in Williamsport, PA, and was relocated to Raleigh, NC, where he worked until his retirement in 2013.

Marty had an amazing knowledge of history and all types of trivia and facts. He enjoyed telling jokes or challenging people with a trivia question of the day. He also enjoyed listening to music, watching his favorite football team, the Kansas City Chiefs, following the Little League World Series, watching the History Channel, and old TV programs. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time taking care of his wife and enjoying time with his two daughters and three grandchildren.

Marty's kindness, love, laughter, and compassion for his family will forever remain with his two daughters, Jennifer (Matt) Derrick of NC and Erika (Brian) Bryson of PA; his granddaughter, Courtenay (Tunahan) Gülhan of Germany; grandsons Jamie Derrick and Cody Derrick of NC; great-grandson Bjørn Gülhan of Germany; a sister, uncle, and numerous cousins and friends.

Marty has happily reunited with his wife Carolyn Frost Martinez, son James Richard Martinez, his parents Casimiro and Dolores, brother Richard Martinez, his in-laws Nile and Dolly Frost, a sister-in-law Marilyn Frost, and an infant granddaughter Cheyenne Pearl Derrick.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society or Heartland (Gentiva) Hospice 4515 Falls of Neuse Road.

https://www.nmcrs.org/get-involved/donate

https://www.gentivahs.com/patient-and-family-resources/donate/

A private service was held for the immediate family June 3, 2025

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Heartland Hospice and Bryan-Lee Funeral Home for their compassion and support during such a difficult time. Your care helped ease our burden and brought comfort when it was needed most.