It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Mike Arcelio Martinez Mulberry. He passed away on April 29, 2018 peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 78.
Mike was born on September 19, 1939 in Denver, Colorado. Shortly after he was born he moved to Gallup, New Mexico to live with his maternal grandmother and his 11 aunts and uncles who were more like his brothers and sisters. At the age of 12 he went to live with his Mother and Stepfather in East Los Angeles, California.
Mike graduated from Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights in 1958 and joined the United States Air Force immediately after. Mike served in the Air Force from 1958 to 1961 and spent 2 years overseas in Spain. He was honorably discharged.
In 1964 Mike met the love of his life, Amelia Cardona and they married in 1966. Mike and Amelia raised 3 daughters and spent 52 years of marriage together. Mike was the true definition of a family man. He loved his family more than anything and always put them first. While raising a family and working full-time at various jobs through the Teamsters Union, Mike continued his education and graduated from East Los Angeles College in 1973 with an Associates in Arts. Afterward he attended the University of Southern California and graduated in 1976 with a Bachelors of Science in Public Administration. Mike went on to work for the State of California at the EDD office for 30 years.
Mike was a devoted Catholic, Husband and Father. He and Amelia attended Mass every weekend. They loved attending Dodger games and watching all the games on TV and they took as many trips to Las Vegas as they could. Mike was a huge boxing fan and always looked forward to watching the big fights with his family.
There are not enough words to describe the type of man Mike was. No one ever had a bad thing to say about him. He was incredibly smart, funny, hardworking, honest and always gave the best advice. Mike’s family and friends enjoyed having conversations with him and Mike always taught them a thing or two. Mike’s pride and joy were his daughters and grandchildren. He adored them more than anything and loved them unconditionally no matter how much trouble they got into at times. Mike was known by many, loved by all and will be greatly missed.
Mike is survived by his wife Amelia; daughters, Monica (John) Arias, Gloria Mulberry and Linda (Jeff) Savard; grandchildren Michael, Vanessa, Chelsea, Hailey, Justine, Luke and Jake; sister Lucy Tellez; brother Raymond “Monchie” Tellez Jr.; aunts, uncles and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mike is preceded in death by his Stepfather, Raymond Tellez Sr., his Mother, Charlotte Martinez Tellez and Grandmother Bonnie Montez Martinez.
The recitation of the rosary will be held on Monday, May 21, 2018 at 9:30am. At St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1048 E. Ventura Street in Fillmore, Ca. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00am. Burial to follow at Bardsdale Cemetery 1698 So. Sespe Street in Fillmore, Ca.
For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family’s online guestbook, share stories and post pictures please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Mike’s name located below “Recent Obituaries”.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned and Operated ROBERT REY GARCIA JR FUNERAL SERVICES, Santa Paula, CA 93060. 805.229.7054