Elmo Leoncio F. Martinez

ELMO LEONCIO  F. MARTINEZ, 65 of Ewa Beach passed away in Ewa Beach. He was born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It was a Good Friday, March 30, 2018 at 10:27 in the morning when his life was returned to our Heavenly Father.  His sudden passing was a disturbed surprise which broke many people’s hearts.  Elmo Leoncio F. Martinez or “Loncing” will always be remembered for his cheerful smiles, enthusiasm -- FOR HIS REMARKABLE JOKES.  He was a very simple man filled with optimism and an inspiration to many for his positive attitude.  Elmo was a strong-willed man who accomplished a lot in life who sacrificed and always humbled himself to help others.  One of his favorite mottos which he lived by, “live simply, walk humbly.” 

            Being the middle child (8th child) among 12 children, Elmo felt that he was obliged to help his parents overcome poverty through working at an early age, 9 years old to be exact.  He was an example of perseverance because he did not mind doing any type of work, so he could help in household expenditures, especially to have some money on the side to buy school supplies for his siblings and for himself.  He managed to work as a janitor, tennis ball catcher, trash picker, newspaper boy, shoe shine attendant, a servant, and many others – he took every job opportunity there was out there just to get by every day.  He worked very hard mainly for the family up until he had a family of his own.  In fact, even after getting married, he took the responsibility to assist his youngest sister graduate from college.  Elmo was a picture of benevolence and generosity for in times of dire need, he was just a phone call away -- WAS A SELFLESS MAN. 

            When his family started to grow, Elmo strived harder.  He managed to work full time during the day and had a part time job at night.  Despite of the intense labor he faced during those times, he was such a great father to his children.  He made certain there were no missing days he never took care of them – would wash their bottles, change and wash their diaper cloths, feed them at night, and played with them.  Elmo played the role of a mother and father to his children when his wife worked abroad.  He did this for 12 years and within those years, he established businesses which helped him and his wife financially.  He first managed his videography/photography then later came his buy and sell car business.  Both businesses existed for several years and became a legacy which he later passed on to his siblings, their children, and grandchildren.  Such businesses were one of his great accomplishments which will always be cherished and treasured. 

            When Elmo moved to the United States with his family in 1995, he faced more trials in life which made him even stronger.  After two months of living in Hawaii, he almost gave up and wanted to go back home due to unable to find a better job, losing their third child, and still waiting for their oldest son to arrive from the Philippines. Financially wise, him and his wife were not prepared.  He first worked as a sales representative at Samsung then was later given an opportunity to work for Waipahu Servco.  This was when his life journey began in America.  Working for Waipahu Toyota was a blessing for which what Elmo loved to do – sold cars as what he did back home for many years.  He became one of the top car sellers but as what he used to say, “be humble” -- it was exactly what he did – was never conceited about his accomplishments but shared his achievements with his family.  His family was Elmo’s priority.  He would drop whatever that was in his hands, would leave his work when his family would call for help – Elmo was their superhero.  He was a great husband, father, grandfather, brother, and a friend. 

            Elmo lived his “life simple” despite of his overworked experience.  Though he encountered many hardships, he always had that cheerful smile every day.  Nobody could not tell whether he was in pain or pain free.  That even during his last moments at the hospital, he managed to joke around with the nurses.  “Loncing” will forever be remembered for being the quiet one -- never boasted about his accomplishments in any way but “walked humbly,” he always put his feet on the ground.  His wife, children, and grandchildren are his pride and joy, his treasures.  Elmo will always be remembered for his great personality. 

He is survived by his wife Luzviminda Martinez; son Kenneth (Jennie) Martinez; daughter Dulce (George) Manguba; brothers Antonio Martinez, Jose Martinez, Vincent Martinez, Roque Martinez, Emmanuel Martinez; grandsons John Christopher, Dylan, Nicholas, Josiah; granddaughter Caitlin.

Visitation will be 5:30 pm Tuesday June 5, 2018 at Mililani Memorial Park and Mortuary's Mauka Chapel followed by prayer service at 6:30 pm and family program at 7:00 pm. Second-day visitation will be 9:30 am Wednesday June 6, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Church (91-1298 Renton Rd, Ewa Beach, HI 96706) followed by Mass at 11:00 am. Burial will be 12:30 pm Wednesday June 6, 2018 at Mililani Memorial Park Cemetery.

Casual attire. Flowers welcome. 

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