Former Mayor Quirino Z. Martinez, 76, of Port Isabel, Texas, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2015 at Harlingen Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas. Quirino was a born and raised lifetime resident of Port Isabel. A great visionary and innovator whose goal was to see Port Isabel flourish, Mayor Martinez was instrumental in establishing many “firsts” for the betterment of this coastal community. During his term in office, 1970-1976 as City Commissioner; 1972-1976 as Mayor Pro-tem; and 1976-1984 & 1996-1998 as Mayor, many accomplishments were completed including renovating Washington Park, Beulah Lee Park, and Pompano Park (rebuilt city dock and built new boat ramp); constructed a new library, community center, and Chamber of Commerce complex. He established Laguna Madre Park, Port Isabel Health Clinic and serves as the first Museum President and later expanded the museums and public library. He worked diligently to make Port Isabel what it is today- a better place to live and enjoy for residents and visitors alike. He was preceded in death by his son, Noe R. Martinez; and his parents, Candelario and Mariana Zurita Martinez. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 60 years, Julia R. Martinez; his daughter; Beatriz M. (Gualberto, Sr.) Martinez; 2 sons, Quirino (Veronica) Martinez, Jr. and Alfredo "Freddy" Gomez; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and 25 nieces and nephews. Also surviving him is sister: Casilda (Daniel) Betancourt; and 5 brothers: Candelario (+ Maggie) Martinez, Gregorio (+Marcelina) Martinez, Aureliano (Luz) Martinez, Ramiro (Melin) Martinez, and Mariano (Luisa) Martinez. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, Texas. Visitation will continue at 8:00 p.m. that evening, with an overnight vigil at the Templo Maranatha located at 401 East Madison Street in Port Isabel, Texas until the next morning. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 30, 2015 at Templo Maranatha. Interment will follow at Port Isabel City Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are: Gualberto “Wally” Martinez, Jr., Quirino Martinez III, Noe Martinez, Jr., Bruce L. Martinez, Billy G. Martinez, and Michael Martinez. You may sign the online guestbook and send words of comfort, flowers, or sympathy cards to the family of Quirino Z. Martinez at: www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.