Manny Martinez

72, passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center. Manny was born on July 29, 1940 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Vino Martinez and Mary Martinez. Manny grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and graduated from high school. Manny had a career in the military starting in 1958, and at the age of 18 enlisted in the Army. Manny served in the Korean War as a medic until 1961 at which point was honorably discharged, returned home to Philadelphia. Manny had a great passion for automobiles, he left Philadelphia, moving to California started Nascar racing a lifelong dream of his. Manny started a frame and alignment shop aligning vehicles and frame straightening, along with fabricating parts under his new company "Mr. Street Rod" Manny became known to all as "Mr. Street Rod", driving cross country to show his wares to most National Street Rod Association events. Manny Martinez married his loving wife Hope Martinez July 4, 1987, they met in Simi Valley, California and they were married 26 years. Manny loved his family and loved family gatherings. Manny and Hope enjoyed Hot Rod events, cruise nights, and Hot Rod Shows. Manny will be remembered as a kind loving man, with the greatest outlook on life, optimistic, dad, grandpa, and best friend. He is survived by his wife Hope Martinez of Arizona, son Manuel Martinez Jr. of Simi Valley, California; daughter Michele Martinez of Burbank, California, daughter Christine Martinez of Sylmar, California; brother Nick Conora of Florida; 4 grandchildren, and many great lifelong friends. "SHA" BOOM" "SHA" BOOM"  Visitation from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Wednesday July 24, 2013 at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, Arizona. Funeral Mass following at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joachim and St. Anne Catholic Church 11625 N. 111th Ave. Sun City, Arizona.  Interment with military honors will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.