
Obituary of Juan D. Martinez
On March 1, 1962, in Havana, Cuba, Gladys Tavarez Martinez and Aramis O. Martinez welcomed their first and only son, Juan David Martinez.
Juan was raised in the Cuban province of Pinar del Río, where he was spoiled by his parents and the extended family around him. While his childhood was filled with love, his future changed dramatically under the communist regime in Cuba. The loss of liberty led his parents, Aramis and Gladys, to uproot their comfortable lives and seek refuge in the United States, hoping for a chance at freedom.
The Martinez family settled in Brooklyn, NY, where Juan began his education. He attended District 14 schools, excelling both academically and in extracurricular activities. After graduating from Brooklyn Tech, he earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education, followed by a Professional Diploma in Supervision and Administration.
Juan began his career as a Social Studies teacher at I.S. 318. After his time as a teacher, he briefly worked as a journalist for El Mundo, a Spanish-language newspaper, covering the education page. His passion for education and politics led him to run for President of Community School District 14, following in the footsteps of his uncles, Radames and Augusto Martinez. He successfully led educational efforts across the district’s 26 schools, serving over 18,000 students. In this role, he played a pivotal part in shaping the careers of many emerging leaders, offering them opportunities to grow and develop within the community. He was not only a mentor to rising leaders but also a passionate public advocate for marginalized communities. Juan worked tirelessly to create programs aimed at uplifting those most in need. Through his initiatives, he provided real solutions, ensuring that individuals had access to resources and opportunities to improve their lives. During this time, he also became President and CEO of PROGRESS Inc., a non-profit organization. As President, he expanded the organization's work and founded PROGRESS High School for Professional Careers in Williamsburg. His dedication to serving the community extended further as he became chairperson of the Community Advisory Board at Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center, as well as chairperson of the Task Force on Public Hospitals.
As a young man, Juan met, fell in love with, and married Aleyda Zamora in March of 1994. They spent over 30 years together, creating a life full of adventure and shared experiences. Their time was filled with travel, laughter, and moments spent with friends and family—creating memories that would last a lifetime. Whether exploring new places or simply enjoying quiet moments at home, they built a rich life full of connection and love. In 2003, their world grew even brighter with the arrival of their only child, Isabella Marie, a beautiful addition that brought even more joy and purpose to their lives.
After his retirement, Juan spent the remaining years of his life enjoying quality time with his wife, daughter, and the rest of his friends and family. Together, they created countless memories filled with laughter, love, and happiness, each moment treasured as a beautiful reminder of the bonds they shared and the life they had built.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Kidney Research Institute https://give.uwmedicine.org/give/?source=KIDRES.
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In Loving Memory
Juan Martinez
1962 - 2025
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