[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 183 (Monday, November 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1065]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE REVEREND JUAN MARTINEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 6, 2023

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today 
to join the New Haven community in mourning the loss of the Reverend 
Juan Martinez. At the age of 94, Reverend Martinez lived a full life, 
full of family, faith, and service to our community. His legacy of 
advocacy and religious leadership has left an indelible mark and will 
serve as an inspiration to many for generations to come.
  Born in Puerto Rico, Reverend Martinez came to New Haven more than 
six decades ago, eventually making a home in West Haven where he has 
lived for more than fifty years. He and his first wife, Persida, raised 
six children, all of whom have mirrored their father's commitment to 
community. His son, John, was a beloved State Representative for many 
years before his tragic passing in 2002; Joe a firefighter for the City 
of New Haven; and Ariel, followed his father in becoming a pastor 
himself. His daughter, Evelyn, volunteered her time as a supervisor and 
site coordinator for the Vita Tax Program.
  A Pentecostal Minister, Reverend Martinez founded the Door of 
Salvation Pentecostal Church of New Haven where he led the congregation 
for more than sixty years. As a spiritual guide, he nourished the souls 
of many--often providing much needed comfort during the hardest of 
personal trials. A leader in the Pentecostal ministry and understanding 
the growing need for Spanish language led houses of worship, Reverend 
Martinez was also responsible for the establishment of a multitude of 
Spanish speaking churches across the state.
  As a pastor, Reverend Martinez had a unique insight into the needs of 
his community. With many in his congregation struggling to find 
financial and economic security, he looked for ways he could make a 
difference in their lives. This led him to serve on several local 
service organization boards including the City of New Haven Crossroads 
Program, the Hill Health Center, and the Latino Youth Development 
Program. Always seeking to do more for his community, Reverend Martinez 
founded the New Life Corporation, an organization formed to aid 
communities and residents with financial and tax assistance; co-founded 
the Evangelical Spanish Association of New Haven, which assisted the 
inner city with low-income housing; and was instrumental in the 
development of Junta for Progressive Action, the oldest Latino, 
community-based nonprofit organization in New Haven which began as an 
advocacy hub to address the needs of Greater New Haven first generation 
of migrants and has grown to offer no-cost social services, legal 
services, immigration services, adult education, and youth programs to 
over 2,000 low-income individuals annually.
  As a respected leader in his community, local elected officials often 
sought his advice and counsel. When I first decided to run for 
Congress, Reverend Martinez was one of my earliest supporters. He 
introduced me not only to his congregation but also several others 
across the City. He and his family embraced me, and I have cherished 
the special friendship we have built over the years. I, like so many 
others, have and will continue to be inspired by Reverend Martinez--his 
compassion, advocacy, and commitment to bettering our community and 
improving the quality of life for all.
  Today we mourn the loss of a giant--a spiritual guide, a community 
leader, a friend, and mentor. Reverend Juan Martinez will be deeply 
missed by all of those fortunate enough to have known him. I extend my 
deepest sympathies to his wife and partner, Maria, as well as his 
children; Ariel, Joe, and Persida; and his four beloved grandchildren, 
Elias, Alexandra, Jonothan, and Priscilla. His legacy will live on 
through them and the countless lives he touched.

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