Obituary of Cecil Martinez

It is with great sorrow that the family of, Cecil Martinez, born in the Bronx, NY, announce his unexpected passing, on November 27, 2017 at 58 years of age. Cecil will be forever missed by his daughters, Jacqueline Koppe, 34, and Gisela Revelo, 32. Cecil, lovingly called Pupa, will also be fondly remembered by his two grandchildren, Gianna and Nathaniel.

Cecil is survived by his mother and step-father, Maria and Jose Cintron; his father, Cecil “Pops” Martinez; his three sisters, Lourdes Lopez and husband, Jose, Sandra Ramirez and husband, Tony, and Yvette Martinez; as well as his nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Detective Cecil Martinez dedicated 30 years of service as one of New York’s Finest with the NYPD.  His career began in 1983 at NSU (Neighborhood Stabilization Unity) 9 in the Bronx. Shortly after, Det. Martinez transferred to the 44 Precinct so that he could patrol the neighborhood he grew up in. Next, he moved to the Vice Squad and in January of 1990, Cecil was awarded his gold detective’s shield. In 1991, he moved to the Intelligence Division where he served in the protective research and executive protection units. Beginning in 1992, Cecil was actively involved in union affairs with the Detectives’ Endowment  Association (DEA). Cecil began as a DEA Board Officer and in 2004 was elected Sergeant-at-Arms until 2009, when he was elected and served as Executive Assistant to the President until his retirement in 2013. Cecil was the first Latino to be a fully released officer of the DEA—released from his detective duties to work full time on labor relations.

Cecil was a dedicated, loving, and supportive Dad and Pupa. His daughters, grandchildren, and family are devastated by the sudden and unexpected passing of Cecil. He will always be fondly remembered by his many accomplishments from his running career, Cecil participated in many marathons and the Police Olympics; his love of the Mets and baseball, his love of latin music and dancing, his goofy, funny and sometimes off-color sense of humor, his passion for travel, and hosting BBQ’s poolside at Casa Martinez.   

The wake in memory of Cecil will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017, from 2-4pm and 6-9pm with religious services at 7pm, at the Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902 (203) 359-9999. There will be no burial services.

Contributions in memory of Cecil may be made to the BStrong Disaster Relief campaign by Donating Good at http://www.delivering-good.org/bstrong/.