Deacon Jerry Martinez dies Jan. 18 at age 77

Deacon Gerald J. "Jerry" Martinez, J.D., M.Th., a permanent deacon of the Archdiocese of New Orleans for 45 years, died at his residence on Jan. 18. He was 77 years old.

Deacon Martinez is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gayle Rivet Martinez; their children Angelique Bennett (Chris), Gerald "Jay" (Lisa), Kevin (Sophie), Collyn (Tiffany) and Meredith Martinez; nine grandchildren, Ashley, Connor, Mason, Nemours and Amelie Martinez; and Devin, Marguerite, Tiffany, and Jeremy Bennett; and his brother.

Deacon Martinez also was a father to Caroline and Victoria Bennett, who died at birth, and two children who died of miscarriages.

He attended St. Leo the Great School; Jesuit High School (1961); St. Joseph's Seminary, Spring Hill University, and Loyola University New Orleans, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws Juris Doctor in 1967. He received a master of arts in theology from Our Lady of Holy Cross College.

 

He was an attorney and also founded Pelican Computer and Pilgrim's Way Holy Land Pilgrimages. From 2003-14, he was the director of stewardship for the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

He taught homiletics to diaconate candidates from 1987-2012. He  acted as a captain of Manresa House of Retreats for more than 50 years and was an active member in the National Right to Life Committee.

He was ordained as a permanent deacon on May 23, 1976, and retired in 2019. He served at St. Benilde in Metairie (1976-87); St. Rita in New Orleans (1987-97); St. Clement of Rome in Metairie (1997-98); St. Frances Cabrini in New Orleans (1998-2006); St. Leo the Great in New Orleans (2000-09); St. Elizabeth Seton in Kenner (2006-09); and St. Christopher the Martyr in Metairie (2009-19).

His Funeral Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond Jasn. 29 at St. Benilde. Interment followed in Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Ozanam Inn. An online guest-book is available at www.LeitzEaganFuneralHome.com.