Gabriel Martin Valverde

Gabriel Martin Valverde age 64 passed on May 22 , 2026, Born May 6 , 1962, in Sacramento, California to Jose and Cecelia Valverde, whom he loved dearly. Gabriel took deep pride in the way his parents raised him and all the family values they instilled in him, creating the foundation for his own family. Gabriel was known to family and neighborhood friends as Marty. He was raised in North Highlands, California, where he spent most of his life. He never moved far from home. During his young years Marty spent time running around the neighborhood, watching Munsters and Speed Racer, and playing little league baseball and football just as his older brothers did. Some of his favorite family memories were time spent in Fort Bragg, California. Marty attended Highlands High school and soon after was married and started a family. He was married for almost twenty years and raised three children, Nazario, Rebecca, and Christine. Marty loved his children; he spent many years watching them play sports on the same fields as he did. He coached baseball and softball teams and taught them to be tough. No sissy lala’s allowed; to always make good first impressions and remember they are Valverde’s.

Marty worked at the Department of Justice where he was known as Gabe or Gabriel. He worked at the D.O.J for a little over thirty years, Gabriel had many friends at the D.O.J and was well known for his charisma and sense of humor. He later retired from the D.O.J in October of 2012 due to health issues.

Anyone who knew Marty knew he was a Raiders football fan through and through. Even when there were more frustrating times than wins, he never gave up on the Silver and Black. He also loved the San Diego Padres and enjoyed the tradition of having hotdogs and apple pie on opening day.

Marty was Papa to seven beautiful grandchildren, six granddaughters and one grandson. Kaeleigh, Alyssa, and Sylvia were born to Nazario and Dorothy Valverde; Gracie and Nazario Martine were born to Rebecca Valverde and Tierra and Aryiah born to Christine Valverde. Marty loved attending soccer games, school promotions, taking his family out to eat, and having facetime calls and summer visits from Utah. Most of all he loved being cared for and doted on by his children, grandchildren, and loved ones. He was always his Mothers baby boy, no matter his age.

Gabriel was preceded in death by his Mother and Father Jose (2012) and Cecelia (2018), his brothers Michael (1987) and Edward (2026) Valverde. He leaves behind his brother Daniel Valverde and his sister and brother-in-law Anna and Mike Cochran. And fourteen nieces and nephews.

While many knew Marty for his big intimidating presence with his signature dark sunglasses, at heart he was just a big guy who enjoyed classic rock, cracking jokes and giving his loved ones a hard time.

Marty will forever be remembered and cherished as a good guy who was also a little stubborn but had a great sense of humor. He was a loving Papa who will be missed beyond words.

The family would like to thank Blessed Home Care in Antelope, California for the care and compassion they gave to Gabriel and his family as he made his transition to the end of life through hospice care. We are forever grateful.

Family and Friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Monday, June 8, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Calvary Cemetery & Funeral Center, 7100 Verner Avenue, Citrus Heights.