Jesus Alberto Martinez

May 8, 1975 – September 24, 2024

Jesus Alberto Martinez, Albert to most and Beto to some, passed away September 24, 2024. He suffered a catastrophic sudden cardiac arrest while traveling with his wife, family and friends. He was looking forward to a few days of music and sight-seeing typical of this brilliant, humble, caring funny guy. He was born May 8, 1975 in Concepción del Oro, Zacatecas, Mexico to Dolores Morales- Martinez and Guillermo Martinez. He moved with his family to El Paso, Texas as age 5. Albert was extraordinary and gifted from childhood showing intense curiosity (including disassembly) for all things mechanical. He skipped two grades entering high school early graduating at age 16. He was part of the “Fab Five”, five Latino students admitted to MIT from the same high school that year in 1992. This unprecedented group received national attention on TV and new media.

On graduation, from MIT in Computer Science, Albert was recruited by Intel in Oregon and began his lifelong association there for 28 years. He rose to the position of Principal Engineer eventually leading teams and conducting research. He was responsible for several patents and received numerous recognitions for his contributions particularly pioneering work in the field of networking.

Albert loved travel, music, family and friends, enjoying trips to Italy, Kenya, Australia, South America and the Middle East. His singing, showcased in high school, led to being a tenor performer with the Oregon Reparatory Singers for over 10 years. He also was frequently with family and friends with many stories of get-togethers in El Paso.

In 2007 he met his life partner, Emily Wheelbarger, beginning their loving 17 years together and their marriage in 2009. Albert and Emily continued to travel and enjoy music performance, with trips to Ireland, France, Puerto Rico and, of course, Mexico. Albert pursued his photography hobby through the “Photography with Emily and Albert” enterprise and was often seen with a camera at events and activities. And, Emily introduced him to the Masonic Family which became a important additional part of his life.

Albert became a Master Mason in 2010 and Past Master of Tuality Lodge #6 AF and AM of Oregon in Hillsboro. He became a Shrine Mason in Al Kader Temple, Wilsonville. With Emily he joined Tuality Chapter, Eastern Star and Acacia Court, Amaranth where he served as Royal Patron. He became a major figure of leadership, mentorship and service with Oregon Masonic Youth groups serving as Rainbow Dad for Hillsboro Assembly #24, Rainbow for Girls, State Rainbow Dad and also on the State Executive Committee. He served as Associate Bethel Guardian for Bethel #67 in Portland for Jobs Daughters. He also served on the Advisory Council for Pacific Chapter, DeMolay. Through his service he received a number of awards and recognitions including the Rainbow Grand Cross of Color, Honorary Legion of Honor from DeMolay, and the Oregon Masonic Grand Master’s Youth Service Award.

Albert is remembered for his dry sense of humor, love of family, commitment to service, serious work ethic and humility. Albert is survived by his wife, Emily Wheelbarger, and by siblings Amalia Morales-Rocha of Ciudad Juarez, Marta Eva Martinez of El Paso, Martín Martinez of Las Vegas, Victoria Martinez of Tonopah, Berta Alicia Limas of El Paso and by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and by siblings Ramón Avila, Sofía Morales and Guillermo Martinez. A celebration of Albert’s life is planned for October 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Al Kader Shrine Temple, Wilsonville. Arrangements are through Omega Funeral and Cremation Services, Portland. Memorial contributions may be made through Omega to the Shriners Hospital, Oregon Rainbow Scholarship Fund or DeMolay Endowment Foundation of Oregon.