Johnny Tony Martinez was born on April 24, 1960, to John and Rose Martinez. Johnny left us far too soon on April 28, 2026.
Looking back at his journey, it’s clear that Johnny didn’t just pass through this world—he captured it, defended it, and nurtured it.
A Man of Many Lenses
Johnny’s journey began behind a camera—serving on the yearbook staff in High school, capturing the stories of others. It was a fitting beginning for a man who would spend the rest of his life truly seeing people.
After graduation, he answered a higher call and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He spent two years in Frankfurt, Germany, before transferring to Mannheim, where he served as a Military Police officer. Disciplined and highly skilled, Johnny earned a sniper certificate and marksmanship honors during his seven years of dedicated service.
When he returned home, Johnny kept walking the line of service—working the towers and maximum security at the Draper prison. He also did detective work and security. But Johnny was never just one thing; he contained multitudes.
The Heart of a Creative and a Caregiver
Most people were surprised to learn that a disciplined marksman could also be a world-class stylist. Johnny attended cosmetology school and proved his talent on a massive stage—taking second place at a Vidal Sassoon event judged by celebrities, with his sister Elaine proudly serving as his model.
But Johnny’s true calling was always the people others tended to overlook. As a chef at Golden Living, he didn’t just feed the elderly; he gave them a reason to laugh. He continued that caregiver role at Lakecrest Care Facility, where he was a supervisor therapist and head of recreation outings. He was a favorite because he treated people with dignity—who else would teach residents to cook, lead exercise routines, and do it all while blasting MTV?
This passion for the vulnerable led him to earn a degree with the State of Utah. He worked as a counselor for children at the Salt Lake Youth Detention Center. Then he went to American Fork Training School, where he cared for and supervised people with disabilities. Later, he advocated for battered women at the YMCA shelter. He was a protector by nature and a healer by choice.
A Star in Wendover
In his later years, Johnny moved to Wendover, where he became the face of the Red Garter Casino as head of customer relations. It felt like everyone in town knew him. He even had a brush with Hollywood, appearing as an extra in Con Air and Touched by an Angel.
Yet despite the “box office” credits, Johnny’s greatest role was always at home. He retired early to fulfill a final mission of love: caring for his mother and father.
A Legacy of Love
Eight years ago, Johnny met his best friend and partner, Perry Johnston. Perry became the bedrock of Johnny’s life—helping him care for his parents and walking beside him through his final battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Johnny loved Perry deeply, and our family is forever grateful for the love and care Perry gave until the very end.
For a man who lived such a colorful and multifaceted life, it feels fitting to look to a story that celebrates heart, brains, and courage. Johnny loved The Wizard of Oz, and in many ways, he lived by its most beautiful lessons. His journey wasn’t always an easy one—especially these last few months—but he faced it with the same smile he gave everyone he met. There is a line from the movie that captures how we feel today:
“A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others.”
To his nieces, nephews, and his grandson Liam, he was the “fun” uncle and a pillar of the family. He coordinated the holiday parties and weekend dinners, making sure we stayed connected.
He has finally followed his own yellow brick road home to be with his brother Chris and his mother, Rose Martinez. And while we are heartbroken to say goodbye, we find comfort knowing that for Johnny, there truly is no place like home.
Johnny always had a smile and treated everyone like family. He left a positive impression on every soul he touched.
Johnny, you taught us that you can be tough enough to be a soldier, yet gentle enough to be a caregiver. You showed us that life is meant to be shared, celebrated, and served. We will miss your cooking, your parties, and your smile—but most of all, we will miss the way you made us feel seen.
Rest in peace, Johnny. Your shift is over; we’ll take it from here.