Romeo E. Martinez

ROMEO EZEQUIEL MARTINEZ, 87 of Grand Island, FL passed away Thursday December 13. Romeo was born in the country of Belize in Central America, emigrated to the United States in 1954, and was naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 1959. Romeo lived up to his name and always brightened the day of everyone he encountered. He appreciated and cherished the opportunity he was granted in this country and in turn he constantly gave back to America and communities where he resided. Some of his volunteer efforts over the years included serving as a U.S. Naval Academy Blue and Gold Officer, founder and first president of the Lake Toastmaster’s Club, advocate for programs to improve senior awareness against scams, programs for immigrants to earn U.S. citizenship, festival organizer for the inaugural Cinco De Mayo benefit festival in Groveland, cub scout leader, and Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. His four children Teresita Lord, Margarita Martinez, Raoul Martinez, and Edward Martinez; 13 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren survive him. Visitation will be held at the Harden-Pauli Funeral Home in Eustis, FL on Monday December 17th from 3 - 5 PM and a funeral mass on Tuesday December 18th at 9:30 AM at St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church in Eustis, FL. He will be laid to rest with his loving wife of 49 years, Mary, at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. Online guest book available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements By Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis