Comment by Valentino Martinez on June 17, 2012 at 3:48am

My dad. My hero. Rest in Peace...

Comment by Valentino Martinez on June 17, 2012 at 4:21pm

Though my father is long departed his memory and influence lives on in my heart and mind.

I always looked for his approval and was besides myself on the occasions I earned it...vbm.

Comment by Amber on June 18, 2012 at 9:51am

Glad you have some sweet memories, and the pics! I only have a few of my father, he died when I was about 16 but I did not really know him well. Yesterday I made sure to call my mom, she raised 3 of us herself. Well, coming from an Italian family, her and any aunt, uncle, nonnie, etc. that happened to be around - there always seemed to be someone around when we were misbehaving!

Comment by Valentino Martinez on June 26, 2012 at 12:58am

Thanks Amber,

Yes, some sweet memories, but also tragically sad ones as well.  War related injuries left my Dad 100% disabled which brought on a growing set of other maladies that all ultimately contributed to his death in 1968.  Long before his death however the burden of raising a family of 13 was placed on my mom and us older siblings.

Like your experience a strong parent and extended family members all contributed to our surviving tough barrio life (in our case) into adulthood.

Comment by Valentino Martinez on November 17, 2012 at 10:37pm

RIP DAD...On this day...anniversary of your very last day...RIP,

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