Frederick Martinez loved life, loved traveling, loved his daughter, and loved his bicycle, which he rode every which way for miles from his Flagler Beach home.
On March 19, Martinez, a 51-year-old former Navy photographer, was killed as he rode his bike toward Flagler Beach, on State Road 100. A van ran into him, crossing into the bike lane Martinez was riding.
On Friday, April 5, at 6 p.m. on the Flagler Beach Pier, Martinez’s daughter Tiffany is hosting a memorial for Martinez, whose ashes will be scattered to the winds and the sea at the edge of the pier. Tiffany is calling it the Poppa Martinez Memorial.
“Come show me and my dad support and light candles and celebrate his life with first Friday in Flagler Beach,” his daughter, who calls her father her best friend, writes on the event’s Facebook page. “God bless and rest in peace daddy xoxoxo.”
You can link to the event on Facebook here.
David R Campbell says
Thank you to flaglerlive.com.
Though I never met this person, I found this article about him and his daughter so very heartwarming.
We never know whether we are going to be the bike rider or the other person. But when it happens, we should do as Tiffany is doing: celebrate the life that this man gave to and enjoyed with his family.
Hugs to all involved.
Brattlike says
Tiffany I don’t know you but I saw the accident scene the day your Dad was hit by the van and my thoughts and prayers go out to you, your family and your Dad’s friends. May he RIP. My best friends service was at the end of the same pier and we also tossed her ashes into the ocean there what a beautiful way to remember your Dad I am sure it will be a beautiful service.
Liz says
Tif. Wish I had known in time to b there. @6fri nite I will hold a candle on long beach…u n Fred’s home for so many yrs…. Love you n can’t wait to c u…
Alfred E. Newman says
I look at these pictures and get a sense that this was a really nice guy.
My sympathies for all who loved him. I am angry and saddened.
Stories like this remind me of how fragile we all are.
I am the same age as Frederick and I value life a great deal.
Hearing of this accident fills me with great sadness.
I hope to never witness, or be involved in an accident like this……….ever.
If only one person decides to drive with more caution because of this accident,
I think that Mr. Martinez would be very pleased.
I don’t know the Martinez family (wish I did) but still I send my love.
I will always remember Frederick Martinez.
How I wish that all drivers were more cautious on the road.
Driving is nothing to take lightly, and your attention should always be focused
on the operation of your vehicle, and the safety of other people on the road.
I can only wish…..
barbara says
oh tiffany i wish i could be there….i will too light a candle 6pm friday night…be safe ….love you xxxooxox
Peg says
My heart is so heavy with grief for my brother. May he rest in Peace. 6:00pm tonight I to will light a candle and remember the life he lived. Peg – New Jersey
MARTY says
THE LOSS OF MY SON FREDRICK HAS HIT ME HARD.
A PARENT SHOULD NEVER BURY A CHILD THAT’S NOT THE WAY ITS SUPPOSE TO BE.
AT 6:00 PM I JUST SAT HERE PRAYING DAD
Kathy/Pete Muller & Family says
To Uncle Marty and the Martinez Family, although we did not know Freddy personally, we knew him through Uncle Marty and how he would talk about Freddy and Tiffany.You could see Uncle Marty’s love shine through. We also did alot of laughing,as it seems to me that Freddy was a lot like Uncle Marty…love of life and laughter. Our hearts go out to all of you. Keep Freddy close by memories that can never be taken away. Love & Hugs,Uncle Marty, Kathy, Pete, Pam, Trish, Richard, Emily and Andrew
craig says
Hi, for no obvious reason, I just searched on my old Navy-buddy’s name “Frederick J. Martinez.” Needless to say I was shocked to read of this tragedy. It has been 35 years since I attempted to make contact with anyone from the John Young (DD-973) (the “John Bone” as Freddy liked to call it); Fred was the first person I attempted to contact in the 35 years since those days. What a sad thing.
I would love to chat about Fred with someone in the family. Did you know that on the ship, his nickname was Marty (but pronounced “Maaaaty” because of his NY accent)?
Please reach out to me, Craig at sdsuca@comcast.net