Jose Ricardo Martinez, age 81, of Haslet, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on February 19, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Jose Ricardo, known to his American friends and family as Rick, was born on September 20, 1944, in Havana, Cuba, alongside his identical twin brother, Jose Raul Martinez, Jr. They were born to Jose Raul Martinez, Sr. and Carmen “Nenita” Aguirre. When the twins were 10 years old, the Martinez family immigrated to the United States in search of new opportunities.

Rick attended Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia, graduating in 1964. Hargrave remained a meaningful part of his life, and he returned often for homecomings, treasuring the opportunity to reconnect with the lifelong friends he made there.

Rick’s longest and most celebrated career was as a salesman for Certified Laboratories, where he worked for 33 years. He loved talking about grease, cleaners, and the many customers who became lasting friends. He frequently earned annual sales trips to destinations such as Colorado, California, and Mexico. Over the years, he received numerous honors, including The Summit Award, The 720 Award, and The Premier Award.

Before and alongside that career, Rick lived many professional “chapters,” each pursued with enthusiasm and dedication. He served as a Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy, worked as a real estate inspector, became a certified hypnotist, installed telephones for Southwestern Bell, owned a mall store called T-Shirts Plus, worked as a baggage handler for Continental Airlines, and sold shoes at Macy’s. More recently, he was the proprietor of Rick’s Embroidery Service. One of his favorite experiences was working as an actor in industrial films and as an extra in movies. He even appeared in a child abuse prevention advertisement — and yes, the family still has the posters. Through it all, he always made time for a longtime side passion: refereeing high school sports.

Rick loved sports. At Hargrave, he played multiple sports and remained active for much of his life, enjoying softball, racquetball, golf, martial arts, and scuba diving, where he earned the distinction of Master Scuba Diver. He was known for his outgoing personality and for being especially passionate at his grandchildren’s sporting events. He loved watching them play basketball and football and was never shy about questioning a referee’s call — much to his family’s amused dismay. He enjoyed games like poker and took particular pride in beating everyone at Settlers of Catan. Above all, nothing brought him more joy than seeing the people he loved succeed in their own endeavors.

Rick is survived by his twin brother, Jose Raul Martinez, Jr.; his sister, Graziella Maria Cora; his sons Rick Martinez, Jr., David Martinez, and William Martinez; his daughters Angela Deneane Martinez and Valerie Nicole Cluff (Nelson Cluff); his grandchildren Jayda Guzman (Arturo), Halle, Mia, Sienna, Ryder, Kason, Juliet, Jace, and Scarlet; and his newest great-granddaughter, Emilia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Hector Cora; and his daughter, Michel Martinez.

A memorial service will be held on March 7, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 500 West Bonds Ranch Road, Haslet, TX 76052.