Ronald Joseph Martinez
September 15, 1941 – November 14, 2024
Ontario, CA, USA
life story
Ron Martinez, A loving husband, father and Patriot!
Born in the Bronx, but made his home in Southern California and had a distinguished career in the State Department of Corrections. A veteran of the US Navy and a devoted family man who was proud of his Puerto Rican heritage.
Ron's Legacy
Ronald Joseph Martinez, 83 of Ontario, California, passed away at his home, surrounded by family on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Ron was born on September 15, 1941 in the Bronx, New York City to the late Ismael and Lucy (Candelario) Martinez. The family moved to Plattekill, New York while Ron was still a young boy, where his parents started a Latino summer resort called Villa Sunny Acres. Like most family-owned businesses, Ron worked for his parents alongside his four other siblings. Ron graduated from Wallkill Central High School where he participated in football and ran track. It was there that he met a Plattekill girl named Carol Campbell, who would eventually become his wife and the love of his life. After high school, Ron joined and proudly served in the U.S. Navy, and was assigned to a cruiser called the USS Newport News. He was a member of the US Navy boxing team for his ship. During his enlistment, the Newport News was one of the ships which took part in the blockade of Russian warships during the Cuban missile crisis of 1963. After moving to the west coast, Ron worked for the California Department of Corrections, as a Corrections Officer at Chino Prison, where he would eventually attain the rank of Lieutenant. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Redlands University before transferring and becoming a parole agent, at the State Parole Division, in Alhambra, California. He retired with over 30 years of service in corrections. He was a member of the VFW, and The Knights of Columbus of Ontario, Ca. Ron is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carol (Campbell) Martinez. He is also survived by his children, Darlene Scheffer, Denise Bell, and Dianna Scharff of Ontario, Ca. Grandchildren, Jessica Scheffer, Zachary Bell, and Anthony Scharff, of Ontario, Ca, and three great-grandchildren, Vincent, Meilani, and Karsynn. Two brothers survive, Larry Martinez (Sharon) of Sarasota, Fl, Ish Martinez (Maryann) of Fishkill, NY, a sister, Carla Ramos (Frank) of Staatsburg, NY and many nephews, nieces and cousins. His parents and a stepbrother, Manuel Badillo predeceased him.