Porfirio Rubalcava Martinez's Obituary
Porfirio Martinez was born in the small town of Mechoacanejo (La Chaneja), Jalisco. It was here that he spent his formative years and where he is now respectfully referred to as "Don Pilo", as he is known for his generosity, work ethic, selflessness, and kind heart. He grew to love the place that raised him, spending time at the family rancho and living in town with his three brothers and four sisters. At the age of 16, he traveled with his cousin to Tijuana and began serving the community of Ensenada as a municipal police officer, supporting the Federal Coast Guard. His commitment to service and good will would prove to be a focus throughout the rest of his life.
After working as an officer, Porfirio joined his family in building community at his parents' local store; later, he and other siblings opened a bakery/market. With the money that he earned, he purchased his uncle's truck and began making the trek to and from Redlands, where he bought boxes of oranges to sell. One day, when he was selling oranges in Tijuana, he met Margarita (la Reyna of the Martinez family) and were married. While living in Tijuana, Porfirio and Margarita opened and operated a Bakery and Tortilleria. Together they had three sons and four daughters and lived primarily in Pacoima and Colton. He became a talented craftsman and constructed many custom swimming pools, waterfalls, and hardscapes. During the years that the family lived in Pacoima, Porfirio and Margarita spent many weekends hosting BBQ's at their home or entertaining family at "Martinez Beach" in Punta Banda. Although, with home, family, and heritage being such an important part of Porfirio and Margarita's lives, they decided to return to Mechoacanejo with his siblings to continue supporting the community and to remodel the family home.
Porfirio proved to be a leader in Mechoacanejo, advocating for medical and technological resources that would make the town a safer place. With the support of Club Mechoacanejo, he provided surrounding ranchos with radio equipment that would allow emergency medical treatment to its citizens, and he was a founder of a first-responder group known as Los Alcones, where he is known as el "Mosquito.” Aside from such medical contributions, he also worked to provide comfort and pride in the town with his experience in construction, building a home for senior citizens, constructing a Lienzo Charro, lining the main thoroughfare with trees and constructing the monumental entry walls into town.
Since then, our family has blossomed and now boasts over 75 individuals, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren. But Porfirio’s kin is not limited to a simple relation through blood; due to his relentless acts of love, there are many others who also refer to him as a mentor. We will always remember him for his gentle hands, his gruff laugh, his endearing smile and his acts of genuine kindness. It is through his image that we all hope to create ourselves. Until his last day, his love never wavered as he did the best he could to hold on until we were ready for him to leave. Truth be told, we would never be ready, but at some point, we realized that he had given us everything he had - 110% of his love - and it was up to us to utilize the stories and lessons that we were so blessed to be a part of.
Porfirio, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Nino: we refuse to say, "Good-bye." Instead, we say, "See you later" because we know that through your guidance, we are with you every day, and we will be together again soon. We miss you. And we love you.
Viewing has been scheduled for Friday, December 12, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m with a Rosary starting at 7:00 p.m. at Preciado Funeral Home, 923 W. Mill Street, San Bernardino, California.
Mass will be held on December 13, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. located at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 1430 W. 5th Street, San Bernardino, California with Interment to follow at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 3510 E. Washington Ave., Colton, California
Reception will be taken place from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Mitla's Banquet Hall, 1300 W. 6th Street, San Bernardino, California.
What’s your fondest memory of Porfirio?
What’s a lesson you learned from Porfirio?
Share a story where Porfirio's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Porfirio you’ll never forget.
How did Porfirio make you smile?
