Obituary of John A Martinez

John A. Martinez, Ph.D. was born to Cecilia and John L. Martinez in San Antonio Texas. He is
survived by his wife of almost 54 years Barbara (Cohen) Martinez, his brother-in-law Allan
Cohen (Molly Ream) and his cousins in San Antonio, Texas, DiAnne Medellin (Raul), Bonnie Vela,
and Erica Tolentino (Chris).

He was from a long line of Texans. His great, great, great grandfather was Mayor of San Antonio
during the Battle of the Alamo. He graduated from St. Mary's University in Texas with a B.A.
degree. He was in ROTC in High School and College and was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma for
duty in artillery. He then returned to St. Mary's University where he obtained master’s degrees in
Philosophy and Psychology. He was then stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas where he changed his
Military Occupation Service designation to Medical Service Corps. Although he was on orders to
Vietnam as a forward observer, his new classification came through at the last minute and he
was ordered to move to the University of Denver to complete his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.
He met Barbara who was also in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Denver and
they were married 2 years later. John then was sent to Walter Reed Army Hospital in
Washington, D.C. to complete his clinical internship. Following that, he became the Chief
Psychologist at Reynolds Army Hospital in Lawton, Oklahoma and two years later he was
transferred to Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Denver, where he was Chief Psychologist of the
Psychology Clinic.

Upon his discharge from the Army, he worked for the Division of Youth Services in Denver as
well as teaching courses in the Psychology program at the University of Denver. John and
Barbara opened their private practice for over 45 years in Southeast Denver. Toward the

end of his career he worked part-time at Denver Health Medical center in the child and family clinic. 
Although they did not have children, they maintained many friendships from their days in school
as well as Barbara's friends from childhood. They shared in many of the joys of their friends'
children. Over the years they had many loving pets from gerbils, snakes, and a piranha to cats and
dogs. They also enjoyed their time with both families. They loved to travel and went to many
places with friends, with The University of Colorado Alumni Group as well as Road Scholars.
John was a man of many talents who dabbled in painting and playing the guitar, as well as
cooking. He made many wonderful dinners for Barbara and their friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to National Jewish Hospital, the Denver Dumb
Friends League, or charity of your choice.

 

A private burial will be followed in the summer by a celebration of life.