Ernesto Merced Martinez
Obituary
Ernesto Martinez, 76, passed away on April 17, 2026, after a brief illness. He was born on September 24, 1949, in San Jose, California, to Jose and Josepha Martinez.
Ernesto was raised in Gilroy, California and graduated from Gilroy High School in 1968. He entered the Marine Corps in 1970 on a two-year enlistment and served one tour of duty in Vietnam.
Ernesto was preceded in death by his parents and brother Marty Martinez and sisters Madge Lopez and Nina Rodriguez. He is survived by his brother, Leonard Martinez.
Ernesto worked numerous jobs in the Gilroy, Morgan Hill and San Diego area before moving to Phoenix, Arizona. He was a member of American Legion Post 1 and was a founding member of The MANA House for homeless veterans. He served for many years as a house manager before retiring.
Ernesto's ashes will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, with military honors.
Published in Gilroy Dispatch · June 9, 2026