Anselmo was born on April 21, 1927 in Dunlay, TX. He was the son of Jesus R. Martinez and Rosalia Sierra both from Mexico.

He is survived by his four children:  Sr. Betty Ann Martinez, FMA; Ricardo Jesus Martinez, and daughter-in-law Elizabeth (Liz); Theresa Sue Martinez Adame and son-in-law Rafael; and John Martin Martinez (Jonny).

Grandchildren: Crystal Caballero and husband Ted; Anselmo R. Martinez; Rafael Jr. and Mario Adame; and John Michael Martinez.

Great grandchildren Theodore Jerell (TJ), Allyssa Marie Violet, Christian Manuel Caballero; Ricardo A. and Isabella Ardiana Martinez; and Madelyn Theresa Adame.

Anselmo was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Sulema.

Anselmo was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.  His winning smile and generous spirit made him loved by all who met him.  His passion in life was music—singing and song writing.  He passed this love on to his children, releasing CDs of Tex-Mex music with his son, Jonny.  As a Tejano Legend, Anselmo's musical career peaked in the mid 60's recording over 13 CD's and writing over 500 songs. Anselmo also contributed 5 CD's to the Christian Genre. Martinez was inducted into the TTMA  Hall of Fame in 1983, The Tejano Museum in Austin,Texas in 2010 and recently approached by the Tejano Roots Organization in Alice, Texas.

He was an active member of his parish at St. Gabriel's and served as the President of the Guadalupanos at St. Gabriel's Church, a Salesian Cooperator, a Cursillista, and director of the parish choir.  As a daily communicant, and a Eucharistic minister, he brought the Eucharist to the home bound.

A natural-born handy-man, he was ready to help anyone in need.  He could build and rebuild anything that was needed, usually making it better than the original, including a boat which he enjoyed with his children on the lake.

Later in life, he and Sulema heard the call to evangelize and went to Big Foot, TX twice a month to share the Gospel with the people who had no priest.

Anselmo will always be remembered for his deep devotion to Our Lady, especially under the title of Our Lady of San Juan.  He would take the family for the five-hour road to Our Lady's shrine to pray for Mary's intercession in his life.

A real family man, Anselmo delighted on taking road-trips with his wife and children.

A memorial Mass for Anselmo will be held at a later date.  Please pray for the eternal repose of Anselmo and the consolation of his family and all who mourn his passing.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest Memorial contributions to sent to: In Memory of Anselmo Martinez-Salesian Sisters, 655 Belmont Ave, Haledon, NJ 07508