Dr. Jorge Martinez - Lopez

JORGE I. MARTINEZ-LOPEZ, MD

We sadly announce the passing of Jorge I. Martinez-Lopez, MD, on July 27, 2022, in peaceful rest at his home surrounded by his loving family. Dr. Martinez lived a long and full life, and had 2 simultaneous long and successful careers: as a practicing physician & medical educator, and in the military. A distinguished Cardiologist, he provided top-notch clinical care for patients and taught large numbers of medical students, residents, and fellows as a full Professor, at the Louisiana State University Medical Center at New Orleans for 29 years; 3 of his own sons were even privileged to enjoy his tutorship. After his move to El Paso, he was a full Professor at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso, where he also assisted in the founding of and development of the clinical curriculum for the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine. Following another 29 years of educating future physicians, he impressively retired at the age of 90. During his many years as an educator, he was also a prolific medical writer, having penned and edited over 400 publications.

His military career combined initial active service followed by many years of dedicated service as a reservist in the US Army Medical Corps; his move from Louisiana to EI Paso was prompted by his voluntary return to active duty doing what he loved, and he was assigned to Fort Bliss and the William Beaumont Army Medical Center. Combined, he had over 41 years of service and retired as a full Colonel with many awards, distinctions, and accolades; he was always very proud of his military service and made many lifelong friends, experiences, and memories while in the Army.

Dr. Martinez was also a lifelong musician and music enthusiast. He started playing violin at age 12 was so prolific that he began playing professionally at the early age of 14 in Puerto Rico. A skilled violinist, he had an impeccable ear for tuning his instrument; his listening skills later served his patients very well as it sharpened his diagnostic abilities as a Cardiologist. He always treasured and nurtured his relationships & experiences with his musical comrades, and he had a special fondness for the Latin music of his era and his island.

He is survived by his wife Glenda; his blended family of 4 sons and 2 stepdaughters, 17 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Committal Service will be at 3:00pm the Fort Bliss National Cemetery on Friday August 05, 2022 with Full Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a donation to the American Heart Association (website: heart.org) in his honor. A native of Puerto Rico, which he loved dearly, he will be returned there to be interred near his parents, brother, and sister-in-law at the Puerto Rico National Cemetery in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, where he will rest in a beautiful pastoral setting amongst the palm trees, warm sunshine, and the gentle & cooling Caribbean breezes.

Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast.  Please visit his online memorial at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.