Joseph Salvador Martinez Jr

Joseph Salvador Martinez Jr., returned home to the loving arms of his Heavenly Father and family. What a joyful reunion it surely must be. Although he will be so very missed by everyone, we know Joey is at peace. His untimely passing was on December 10, 2012, at age 48 in St. George, UT where he was hospitalized from a sudden illness and passed away from respiratory complications. He was born on November 2, 1964, in Glendale, CA. Joey grew up in Eagle Rock, CA, and has spent the last three years in Cedar City, UT, with his two sisters and nephews and nieces and a great nephew. The loves of his life were his Three Boys Nicholas, Benjamin and Max. Joey started his adventure to Utah very sick and for the past two and a half years has been working at Convergys where he was the third top salesmen in the nation two years in a row and the top salesmen many times in Cedar City. Joey loved working at Convergys but mostly loved all the many friends he made there. Joey had a deep love and compassion for everyone he met. It made him happy to give to others. Joey loved to cook and after a long day at work he would make his famous tacos and share with his neighbors. Summer was his favorite time of year because of the garden and the fresh salsa and tomato sandwiches. He loved spending time with his family and his smile always melted your heart as his eyes would sparkle at the same time. Joey always had something funny to say that would make you smile or laugh. We love you Joey and you will be missed by all your family and friends but we know we will all see you again someday. I love you son you are in heaven now and at peace. Joey is survived by: his Parents, Lawrence and Patricia Maldonado of Eagle Rock, CA; Children, Nicholas, Benjamin and Max; siblings, Eva Mayoral ,Mari Goldberg, David Maldonado, Cindy Friedman (Marc), Lori Robertson (Chris), Beth Thompson (Bruce), Cynthia Morales (Tony), Kathy Hooper (Danny), Davy and Ariel Maldonado; Nieces and Nephews Brad Mayoral, Amanda Goldberg, Mathew Fonseca, Jared (Brittney )Amy, Josh, James, Annemarie Thompson, Terra Friedman, Mathew and Katie Robertson, Shaunte and Devin Maldonado, Jenny, Anthony Grace Morales, and Nick Hooper; Great Nephew Jasper Jeffrey Thompson, Great niece Erin Mayoral. He was preceded in death by a nephew, Jeffrey Allen Thompson. A memorial to honor Joey will be held on Friday, December 14, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Cross Hollows Stake Center, 2830 W. Cody Drive Cedar City, Utah. Friends and family are invited to share condolences online at www.serenicare.com. Arrangements are under the direction of SereniCare Funeral Home, St. George, UT, 986-2085.