After a six-year long battle with Neuroendocrine (NET) cancer, our dear Joseph "Joey" Anthony Martinez, age 57, passed away on Friday, April 3rd, 2026. He fought valiantly and full of love, doing everything he could to live for his family. Joey is survived by his wife of 25 years, Dinorah Martinez, their children Samantha Rose, Nathan Joseph, and Adam James, his mom Rosie Martinez, his siblings Steve Martinez, Sandra Martinez Hidalgo, Estela Huante, Maria Gutierrez, Rosa Martinez, Jesse Martinez, his cousins Anthony Silva, Shasta Ramsguard, Cory Soto, and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Jose Martinez and his brother Ruben Martinez. Joey spent his last days surrounded by his family, friends, and numerous loved ones that came into town to see him and tell him they love him.

Joey was born in Santa Maria at Marian Medical hospital on February 14th, 1969 – our Valentine's sweetheart. His childhood is filled with memories playing Little League and running around the neighborhood with his childhood best friends and siblings. He grew up going to local schools, graduating from Santa Maria High School, Class of 1987 where he played varsity baseball and soccer and won 'Best Dressed' his senior year. Joey left Cal Poly before graduation to take over the family business, Discolandia, after his dad's passing to provide for his mom and two siblings. At Discolandia, Joseph served our Spanish-speaking community as a self-employed tax preparer for 31 years , working up until the time of his diagnosis in 2021.

Something that brought Joey so much joy was coaching. His coaching experience began when he was young and spanned across coaching youth, high school, and club soccer in our local communities. He coached all three of his children, having served hundreds of youth and their families and making tons of glorious memories. He could still recall every single match, score, and gameplay that ever happened, telling the story like it happened yesterday. One thing we will miss the most about Joey is his magnetic, joyous story-telling nature.

Joey was an avid baseball card collector (he always shared how his collection was "unlike any other in the world"), lover of pop culture, and FIFA fan. But what truly defined Joey was his role as a family man. He was a dedicated husband, father, brother, son, uncle, cousin, and friend. Joey poured everything into his family, his joy stemming from making sure they were safe, happy, and taken care of. His patience, kind nature, and never-ending wisdom are things that will continue leading all those that knew and cherished him.

There will be a service held on Friday, April 17th @11:00 am at Orcutt Christian Church 204 Patterson Road, Santa Maria, California, followed by a burial service at Santa Maria Cemetery 1651 S. College Drive, Santa Maria, California and reception at Santa Maria Eagles 668 S. College Drive,