Carlos "Charlie" Martinez

Carlos "Charlie" Martinez February 1934 – October 2025

Carlos "Charlie" Martinez, 91, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully at home.

He was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, in 1934 to his parents, David Martinez and Carmen Costa Martinez. His family later relocated to Bronx, NY, where he attended James Monroe High School and met the love of his life, Milagros "Millie" Olmedo.

Charlie proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era, where he was stationed in Germany. Upon returning home from the Army, Charlie and Millie got married and would have celebrated 68 years together in November 2025. During this early chapter of their lives, Charlie drove a taxicab in New York City while attending the Academy of Aeronautics as a mechanic, demonstrating his hard work and dedication to building a future for his family. The beautiful couple started a family in the Bronx. After these formative years in New York, Charlie and Millie decided to relocate to Miami, Florida, where they embraced the subtropical lifestyle, they both loved.

A man of many talents, Charlie was an accomplished carpenter who could build, repair, or create just about anything. He was remarkably handy and always willing to lend a helping hand—whether volunteering as a band parent, Boy Scouts, personal taxi service for his children and friends, setting up and/or cleaning up for PTA or community events at schools, in Pioneer Plantation, or The Villas. He also enjoyed playing board games, Tetris, dice, dominos, volleyball, and bowling, loved gardening, and was always a good sport on adventures through the travels his wife planned.

After a long and dedicated career with Westinghouse Elevator, later acquired by Schindler, Charlie and Millie moved to the quiet rural community of Pioneer Plantation in Clewiston, Florida. There, he found great joy outdoors and proudly volunteered with the local law enforcement's Community Crime Watch division. Eventually, the couple settled in Fort Myers, where they spent their later years together closer to family.

Charlie was a devoted and loving father to Millie "Mimi," Carlos, and Cristina, who will dearly miss his calm, gentle, and loving spirit. He was affectionately known as "Papa" to his six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Charlie's sense of humor, quick wit, and kind heart brought laughter and comfort to those around him, even in his final days. He will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, craftsmanship, and willingness to help anyone in need—a true reflection of the love he shared with everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers to please make a donations to St. Jude's, or your favorite charity on behalf of our Carlos Martinez.