Raul was born August 3, 1940, in Mexico City. He grew up in Los Angeles County, California; raised by Lucia and Jose Martinez, along with his older siblings, brother Jose ‘Javi’ and sister Maria Concepcion “Chita.” Raul graduated from El Rancho High School in 1958 and then attended L.A. City College, earning his A.A. degree. One of his first jobs was at the May Co. Department store, first in L.A., then in Whittier. There, he spotted his fellow co-worker and future wife, Carmen. It was love at first sight for Raul; via the help of a friend playing cupid, Carmen finally agreed to a date. Per Carmen, Raul was always a perfect gentleman and they quickly became good friends. Carmen found him to be a good and interesting man and grew to admire his many good qualities. After a courtship in 1967, Raul proposed – he had to ask a few times before she said ‘yes,’ but she eventually did, they married in 1968. They went on to have two daughters, whom he was so proud of. Raul then went on to work for the U.S. Postal Service, as a dedicated employee, working the graveyard shift for 37 years.

Raul was a beloved husband (“Hon”) to Carmen, father (“daddy”) to Monica and Melinda “Linda,” “Buelo” to his grandsons Sebastian and Joaquin, father in-law to Peter and Jorge, and uncle (“Uncle Fi”) and friend. To know him, was truly to love him. He was a gentleman to all, even when enduring challenges with his health – he would say ‘thank you’ after all his medical procedures. He was also an animal lover, who especially loved his grandpups! He was a loyal man, who had an endearingly quirky personality that included many tried and true one-liners such as ‘At least that, better than nothing!’ Raul’s presence was gentle and unassuming, but when he smiled and laughed, he could light up a room! His memory and ability to remember facts and historical events was amazing! He was an old soul who loved yesteryear and would fondly and nostalgically speak of golden-age movies, actors, TV shows, vintage cars, and even cafeterias and the old electric streetcar! He was also a major sports fan; though he played golf in his younger days, he preferred to be a spectator, primarily watching tennis, basketball, and baseball – loyal to his teams, the Clippers and the Angels. He was also proud of his heritage and would root for Mexico in soccer and in the Olympics.

On July 14, 2025, Raul passed away peacefully, with his wife Carmen, and his daughters Monica and Melinda by his side. He had courageously, gracefully, and mostly privately battled cancer and other health issues since 2018. He passed away 6 days shy of his and Carmen’s 57th wedding anniversary and a few weeks before his 85th birthday. Heaven received one of their best angels on July 14th, one who will live in the hearts of his loved ones forever and ever.