Ernesto B. Martinez

Ernesto B. Martinez, 86, died peacefully on April 13, 2023.

He was born in Wakas, Orion, Bataan, Philippines and completed his studies in Business Administration at Francisco College, Manila. He worked as an insurance underwriter for Investors’ Assurance Corporation before immigrating to New Jersey in 1986. He met and married the love of his life, Leonisa Penales in September 1962, and the two began a beautiful family together.

Mr. Martinez' devotion to God and his faith began at a young age. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus when he was in the Philippines and continued when he moved to Somerville, New Jersey. Both Ernesto and his wife, Leonisa were dedicated parishioners of The Church of The Immaculate Conception in Somerville, where Ernesto served as a sacristan during funeral masses. He also enjoyed going on trips and church pilgrimages with his wife and spent time reading bible scriptures and in prayer.

The Martinez family settled in Bridgewater, and Ernesto worked for 10 years with Union Mutual Life Insurance Company. Ernesto enjoyed cooking and dancing, and most of all, quality time spent with his family. Mr. Martinez was a committed husband, father, and grandfather who adored his wife and spent as much time together as possible.

Surviving are his beloved wife Leonisa Penales Martinez, his loving children, Amy Martinez-Wright and husband James, Lea Martinez, Eleanor Martinez, Mariecel Hauf and husband Earl, and John Martinez and wife Stacie, his cherished grandchildren Michael and wife Karen, Isabella, William, and Sabrina, Joernie, Rylie, Holie, Kyrie, Mercie, McKenzie and husband Chase, great grandchildren, Sebastian and Everly, as well as his siblings, Alicia deLeon, Antonio Martinez, Norma Martinez, Aida Gandhi, and Eduardo Martinez.

Visitation will begin at 9:00AM on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at The Church of the Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

Entombment will follow at St. Bernard Mausoleum, Route 28 Bridgewater.

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