Mr. Agustin Martinez, Sr.

UTICA – On Tuesday, December 13, 2022 Mr. Agustin “Aguie” Martinez, Sr., age 89, went to be with the Lord in the comfort and dignity of his son’s home in the company of his loving family. Born on February 28, 1933 to the late Felix and Eulogia (Vazquez) Martinez, he spent his childhood in Humacao, Puerto Rico and graduated from business school there. He then moved to NYC and would later work in Utica. In the 1960s, he attended the American Bible Institute seminary for three years in Santa Ana, CA to become a pastor for the Assembly of God Church. He graduated with high honors and was a tenor in the choir. He later returned to Utica to pastor Iglesia Asemblea de Dios, which was located on Bleecker St. On January 12, 1963 he wed the former Blanca Esther Rivera, with whom he spent many blissful decades of marriage. He now leaves behind his faithful and loving wife. He worked for Beaunit Fibers as a machine operator and applied his carpentry skills throughout the area. Being a man with a humble nature, he would often assist others with carpentry projects and never asked for anything except a “thank you” in return. He also had a tremendous sense of humor – sometimes it was dry but it always elicited a laugh. People in his life knew him as an honest man. If he saw a wrong, he would strive his very hardest to set it right. He knew that when something was wrong, a better way was always possible, especially with God. Agustin made a reputation for himself in the area as being something of a local historian. His love of knowledge combined with his artfulness in telling a good story made him the go-to for information in his hometown. Another fond memory people will keep of him is his sweet tooth. He was rarely found without a pack of Wrigley’s Doublemint gum in his shirt pocket. He was also a master Pastelillo dough maker and his wife, Blanca the preparer of the savory filling. One of Agustin’s absolute favorite pastimes was family and social gatherings, especially spending time with his beloved grandchildren. He frequently took long walks and had beautiful conversations with them. He also passed on to them his love of music and made many priceless memories singing and playing with them. Agustin is survived by his wife, Blanca; and his children, Agustin “Aguie” Jr. and Michele (Cuda) Martinez, Edna Martinez, and William Martinez. He will be missed by his grandchildren, Ashley and Dean Oakes, Joshua Martinez, Sr., Myriah and Denis Basic, Zachariah Martinez, Jacob Martinez, Elijah Martinez, Daniel Martinez, David Martinez, Adam Martinez, Amanda and Christopher Harris, Molly and Ryan Cecil, Edward Herrin, Jr. and fiancé Karissa Bock, and their father Edward Herrin, Sr. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren, Giovanni Martinez, Joshua Martinez, Jr., Noah Martinez, Izabella Basic, Melody G. Cecil, Wyatt T. Harris, and Lyric Ryan L. Cecil; his brother, Carlos Martinez; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and several in-laws. He was predeceased by his babies, twins, Zachariah and Lora; and Evelyn; and five siblings. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2022 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Agustin’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation. He will be laid to rest on Monday, December 19, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Agustin Martinez, Sr.

February 28, 1933 - December 13, 2022