Dozens of family members and friends, as well as a handful of people from the community, stopped by Mountain View Mortuary to pay their respects to Angel Martinez and celebrate his life. Martinez was one of three victims of the mass shooting at the Grand Sierra Resort on July 28.
The funeral service began at 2:00 p.m. on August 17, and the reception wrapped up around 6:00 p.m.
The family has a GoFundMe page set up to help pay for funeral expenses.
At the ceremony, Becky Martinez shared one of her fondest memories with Angel. She said it was her introduction to rock music.
"I was with him, and we were at the park with some of his friends," she said, "And someone was playing 'Rapper's Delight' by The Sugarhill Gang. I didn't know then how big a moment that would become in my memory. but now every time I hear that song, I'm right back there with him - young, happy and full of life."
Angel Martinez lived in Sparks and worked for more than three decades at restaurants and casinos in Northern Nevada.
Becky Martinez says the 66-year-old gave his siblings many cherished memories, from taking them to watch the Star Wars movies to church gatherings.
"We'd get all dressed up to go out to eat with all his siblings," she said. "Those days were full of laughter, love and togetherness."
Another family member said his presence brought a positive feeling into the room.
"Whenever I saw him, it made me happy just to say, 'Hi, Angel-Angel,'" she said, "And feel that warmth in return."
Becky added she will never forget the memories she created with Angel.
"I'll carry them with me always," she said, "And I'll carry him with love, with gratitude and with the deepest sense of loss. I'll miss you brother, always."
