Juan Martinez 36, Stockton

Juan Martinez loved San Francisco. During a trip last year, he explored the city, went to the beach and attended his first Giants game with his 10- year- old daughter, Ericka. When he got back, he was smiling from ear to ear.

“I know that day was special for both of them,” his son, Erick, said. “When my dad came back, he was really, really happy.”

Born in Puebla, Mexico, Juan Martinez died of COVID- 19 complications at Dameron Hospital in Stockton on

June 7. He was 36.

Martinez met his wife, Maria Reyna Flores, while working at the Elephant Bar in Stockton a dozen years ago. At the time, she was a single mother and was suffering from depression. Martinez would take both Flores and Erick on dates and was never shy to show his love to her.

Martinez always encouraged Erick and his three younger daughters to excel in school and would exude his pride at Erick’s scholarship events and graduation.

Erick added that when he came out as gay at 16, both of his parents were accepting, even if his dad was raised with a machista attitude, common among Mexican men.

“It was just easy. Like nothing,” Erick said. “I knew I was going to be loved. After I came out, he was always still there for me. He was old- fashioned, but he respected me and who I am as a person.”

Martinez also loved cooking and going out to eat with his family. He had a dream of starting his own restaurant alongside his wife. Erick, who has an associate degree in retail management and merchandising, wanted them to start with a food truck and grow from there.

“He’d tell me, ‘ One day, we’re going to do it,’ ” Flores said. “Now, I want to follow my husband’s dreams.”

Martinez died after a week on life support and a ventilator. He began feeling sick May 31 after a 10- hour shift at work. He had body aches earlier that day and started having trouble breathing that night. He had no underlying health conditions, his wife said.

Martinez, Flores and their four children all tested positive. Only Flores showed symptoms and has since recovered.

Martinez is survived by his wife, son, daughters Ericka, Alondra and Brianna, and father, Pedro.

— Tomás Mier