* Paul R. Martinez; Financial Industry Expert

Paul Richard Martinez, president and chief executive of Southern California Community Business Corp., died Thursday in Camarillo. He was 59.

He was born Nov. 19, 1939, in Chicago and grew up there, one of 15 children. After attending school in Illinois, he served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam.

Martinez received a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Roosevelt University in Illinois and a master’s in business administration from the University of Chicago.

For 35 years, Martinez was a financial industry expert. He moved to Ventura County in 1981 and went to work for Southern California Community Business Corp., a financial advisor firm.

An avid golfer, he also loved to read and would critique literary works and entertainment. He particularly loved the works of Shakespeare, said his niece, JoJo Guerin.

Guerin added that Martinez never had an unkind word to say about anyone. He was selfless, never lost hope and believed tomorrow would be a better day.

Martinez is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sheila Ann of Camarillo; a son, Marc Paul Charles Martinez, and a daughter, Jessica Mary Sheila Martinez, both of Camarillo; mother Josephine Martinez; sisters Genevive Torres and Constance Perez, both of Chicago; and Nadine Guerin and Judith Martinez, both of Huntington Beach; and brothers Leonard, Henry and Michael, all of Chicago, and Ralph of Ohio.

Services were held Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to J. M. Fund, c/o Sheila Martinez, 3975 Vincente Ave., Camarillo, CA 93010.

Arrangements were under the direction of Pierce Bros. Griffin Mortuary in Camarillo.