Walter J. Martinez
February 5, 1939 — September 10, 2023
Pioneer of Spanish Radio in Connecticut, Walter Martinez (84), passed away on September 10, 2023, in Boynton Beach, Florida and was Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Walter worked for the Police, Department of Communications, for 4 years with his best friend Eugenio Diaz and played professional soccer in the 1st division for Club Atletico Huracan, but he was also a huge fan of rival team San Lorenzo de Almagro. Walter came to the United States in 1964, motivated and encouraged by his good friend Eugine, to play for the North American Futbol League. Walter retired from Club Argentino of Hartford in 1973 and around this time he joined forces with long-time friend Omar Aguilera, also an Argentine. In 1965 Walter and Omar shared several initiatives and businesses, one of them was a foray into radio with their inaugural program debuting as a half-hour program, in Spanish, on 840 AM in November 1968. Over the ensuing years Walter worked tirelessly in media as a presenter, producer, and account executive in radio as well as television.
In 1988 Walter returned to Argentina continuing to pursue business opportunities and to be nearer to and help his family. In 1993 his good friend, and later partner, Lucio Ruzzier Sr. contacted him with an opportunity to return to Connecticut and manage his Hartford radio station 1550 AM in the capacity of Director of Programming and Sales. It was there that he joined William Newton, Vice President of Sales of Television Stations Channel 13/65 Telemundo Hartford/Springfield, where they joined forces to reach the Anglo American market by selling Radio and Television as a packages. In 2004, together with other partners, Walter acquired radio station WRYM 840 AM, and directed one of the first and most innovative ,community-focused Spanish stations in New England. Walter received, among many other awards, the Latino de Oro in 2008 and was also inducted into the Connecticut Broadcast Association’s Hall of Fame. In July 1997, Eight Forty Broadcasting Corporation was sold to David Webster’s Trignition Media at which time Walter and his beloved wife Maria Elena retired to their home in Florida enjoying many wonderful years together with family and friends.
Walter is survived by his wife of 60 years, Maria Elena Martinez, resident of Boynton Beach, Florida; his son, Walter N. Martinez; his daughter in law, Silvina Martinez; his grandchildren, Ryan W. Martinez and Kyle A. Martinez; his brother-in-law, Alberto Virdo and wife Maria Margarita Virdo; nieces and nephews.
A Mass celebrating the life of Walter Martinez will be held at a later date.
In 1988 Walter returned to Argentina continuing to pursue business opportunities and to be nearer to and help his family. In 1993 his good friend, and later partner, Lucio Ruzzier Sr. contacted him with an opportunity to return to Connecticut and manage his Hartford radio station 1550 AM in the capacity of Director of Programming and Sales. It was there that he joined William Newton, Vice President of Sales of Television Stations Channel 13/65 Telemundo Hartford/Springfield, where they joined forces to reach the Anglo American market by selling Radio and Television as a packages. In 2004, together with other partners, Walter acquired radio station WRYM 840 AM, and directed one of the first and most innovative ,community-focused Spanish stations in New England. Walter received, among many other awards, the Latino de Oro in 2008 and was also inducted into the Connecticut Broadcast Association’s Hall of Fame. In July 1997, Eight Forty Broadcasting Corporation was sold to David Webster’s Trignition Media at which time Walter and his beloved wife Maria Elena retired to their home in Florida enjoying many wonderful years together with family and friends.
Walter is survived by his wife of 60 years, Maria Elena Martinez, resident of Boynton Beach, Florida; his son, Walter N. Martinez; his daughter in law, Silvina Martinez; his grandchildren, Ryan W. Martinez and Kyle A. Martinez; his brother-in-law, Alberto Virdo and wife Maria Margarita Virdo; nieces and nephews.
A Mass celebrating the life of Walter Martinez will be held at a later date.
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