Martin Paul Escalante
January 14, 1949 - October 11, 2021
Martin Paul Escalante passed peacefully at his home surrounded by family on October 11, 2021. A second generation San Franciscan he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, Tio, friend, mentor and inspiration to the many people he touched.
Martin was born January 14,1949, grew up in the Mission District, and graduated from Galileo High School. Although he held other part time jobs, a neighbor helped place him in the custodial department working for the city. At 20 years old he began working at the SFUSD. He rose through the ranks to become the Director of Custodial Services for the school district and eventually retired in 2012 after 43 years of service. He was a respected colleague and friend to his staff and the school district community. Martin also taught vocational training for 40 years, first for the school district and then on weekends at SF City College and mentored many of his students into their careers. He made his classes funny and entertaining with his charm and warmth. Many of his students are now supervisors at major SF institutions themselves and part of his extended family. His network spanned such a diverse group he was often invited to banquets and family celebrations from Chinatown to the Peninsula, the East to the North Bay as a gesture of respect and true fondness for him. Good humor and kinship were his mantles. Martin continued to change with the times, as the Director Emeritus for the SFUSD he moderated the Green Cleaning video series for the Dept of Health in both English and Spanish and it is still available on their website.
Martin had many passions in his life. His love of family is remarkable in its depth and breadth and his family has many stories of his selfless contributions - offset, of course, by his mischievous pranks. He was an ebullient NYT Crossword player His culinary (and eating) skills were renowned and enjoyed by many! He made yearly trips to Hot August Nights in Reno to shop and enjoy the collectible cars. Martin loved to travel, venturing cross country in an RV and visiting 5 continents with his beloved wife, Linda. Martin was a gentleman, equally at ease dining at a 5 star restaurant in Shanghai as he was master chef-ing the tailgate grill before his other love, the SF 49ers, took the field. As a 40 year season ticket holder and super fan from birth, you considered yourself lucky to be included in his tribe on Sunday mornings.
Generosity of spirit is the term that best captures Martin’s demeanor. The greatest example was when his brother needed a kidney replacement Martin provided one of his own without hesitation. However, everyone entering his circle felt the brotherhood in his kindness and generosity. That is his real legacy and our loss.
Martin is preceded in death by his step father Rudolfo (Rudy) Chairez and his son, Alejandro Escalante. He is survived by his wife, Linda Luevano, step sons Joaquin Macias, Raul Macias , and Diego Macias. His mother, Angelita (Angie) Chairez, brother Frederick (Freddie) Escalante, sister Victoria (Vickie) Chairez Bianculli. His nieces and nephews Angela (Escalante) Reinertson, Diane (Escalante) Ocon and Nicholas and Gregory Bianculli who were like his own children. He was very proud of his many grand nieces and grand nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Martin Escalante Scholarship, UASF-Emeritus, PO Box 31940, SF, CA 92431.