Robert was born on November 16, 1943, in Tucson, Arizona, to Jose and Benigna Martinez. He had a deep love for his home city, and an even deeper love for the neighborhood he grew up in, Barrio Hollywood.

An extrovert through and through, Robert loved nothing more than to meet and be around people. He had a special talent for being able to strike up a conversation with anyone about anything. In particular, he loved telling jokes and laughing with others.

One of his fiercest loves in life was his family, and with that came a deep sense of pride, supportiveness, and protectiveness for them. As a devout Catholic, he loved to pray for those around him.

Robert proudly worked as a custodian for the University of Arizona before retiring after 35 years in his role, something he was never shy about sharing with anyone he met. In his free time, he enjoyed drawing and loved sharing his skills with anyone who wanted to admire or even learn from him.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 38 years Bertha, his parents Jose and Benigna, his sister Josefina, and his brothers Alfredo, Francisco, Luis, Adolfo, Arnulfo, and Arturo.

He is survived by his daughter Gabrielle, his brother Gilbert, and countless nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.