Henry Delfino Martinez
Born, December 24, 1929 and w ent home to be with our
Lord Jesus Christ April 9, 2021

Henry Delfino Martinez was born in Fresno, California to Concepcion Delgado & Avundio Navar Martinez. He grew up in the small town of Fowler, California, with his mother, father and four sisters: Sally, Gracie, Mary, Irene and eight brothers: Jesse, Tony, Daniel, Manuel, Raymond, Richard, Albert, and Michael.

As a teen, he loved spending time with his family, especially his brothers playing outside riding their bikes and helping his father at work. He enjoyed school and playing on the Fowler High Football Team, he loved football and was immensely proud to be a Fowler Red Cat!

Henry attended Fresno Adult School and received his High School Diploma and earned a trade certificate in Air Conditioning and Heating which sparked a passion for mechanics, and many other hobby's.

Henry was in his early twenty's when he met Pauline Flores, a beautiful girl who was kind to everyone; she became his soul mate. They fell in love in Fresno, California, after meeting during a dance at the Rainbow Ballroom. They remained happily married for 65 years until Pauline's passing in 2016.

In January of 1951 they were married and in March of that same year, Henry was drafted into the United States Army. Henry served during the Korean War where he was stationed in Japan. In 1953, he returned home and was Honorably Discharged from the Army. He then went to work for North American for a time and then entered the 144th Fighter Unit of the California Air National Guard. He loved his work as a Hydraulic Technician and moved quickly through the ranks. He retired in 1984 with the rank of Master Sergeant.

In 1962 they started a family with the addition of a daughter, Jacqueline and then in 1963, a son, Henry Jr. As a family they were always in the great outdoors which included camping and fishing. Henry was a Boy Scout Webelo's Leader. Henry enjoyed competing alongside his son in the Boy Scout Pinewood Derby's and with his daughter in the Ballet Folklorico Y Marimba De Fresno Dance & Music Group. Henry had many friends and was involved in various organizations; the Foresters, the Guadalupano's Society through Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus to name a few. He was a very dedicated individual.

He loved gatherings with friends and family and always made a point of attending any event he was invited to. His last final love and hobby was GOLF! He learned to play by joining his brothers, nephews, and friends out on the course. He looked forward to wherever and whatever course he was invited to play. He especially loved the family reunions, that eventually turned into family golf tourneys, LOL … He had truly found his passion in golf.

Henry was a great father to his children; He was lovingly strict and firm in his teaching of life lessons. Henry's children loved and appreciated their father very much. Henry was dependable and generous and gave a helping hand to whoever needed it.

Henry Delfino Martinez is preceded in death by his beloved wife Pauline Flores Martinez, brothers Tony Martinez, Michael Rojas, Jesse Martinez. He is survived by his daughter Jacqueline Austin and husband Robert Austin and son Henry M. Martinez, grandchildren; Edrina Martinez, Ricky Martinez, Erica De La Rosa, Nicholette Martinez, as well as six great grandchildren; Evangelene Rosas, Bresiana Martinez, Gabriel Martinez, Alexis Martinez, Brandon Martinez, Elijah Martinez, Zuri Schmidt.

Visitation: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
2140 North Cedar Avenue
Fresno, CA 93703
Viewing ~ Friday, April 23, 2021 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.


Recitation of the Holy Rosary ~ 9:30 a.m.
Mass of Christian Burial ~ Friday, April 23, 2021

Interment will follow at Belmont Memorial Park