Gilberto Martinez

Gilberto Martinez, age 92 passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Gilberto was born in Habana, Cuba to Vicente Martinez and Raquel Ortega.

Devoted God Father of many. He was the last of all his siblings.

He was a scholar who migrated from Cuba to the United States of America.  He was a high priest in the Yuraba religion.  He spoke, sung and taught the Yuraba language.  He was a dancer in his cultural religion who performed in various theaters and his country for the Orishas. The Painted Bride Theater in Philadelphia being one.

“El Abuelo” known to his God children as “Baba Funke” had the privilege on his long-lived life to travel the world.  He has crowned hundreds of Osha in his country as well as in the USA, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Spain and Puerto Rico to mention a few where he shared his knowledge with the people. 

Gilberto was very loving, a giver and had a world of knowledge wealth.

His viewing will be held on Friday, October 25, 2019 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Rodriguez Funeral Home.

He will be laid to rest at Greenmount Cemetery of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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