Passing of our Charter President of the Board Heriberto Martinez

We are greatly saddened by the death on October 27, 2021 of our library’s charter president of the board Heriberto Martinez. Heriberto was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico on July 18, 1930. He studied at the Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez where he graduated with a BSA. He was a prominent Agronomist, and worked for the Agricultural Extension Service. He served as the Secretary of Agriculture from 1977 – 1980. Heriberto was always active in his community, and he was a founding member of our library’s board of directors. He had a passion for tennis and the love of libraries and of the land. He owned a small farm in Cidra. Heriberto was married to the former judge and President of the Consejo de Educación Superior, UPR, Ygrí Rivera de Martinez.

Through the years Heriberto continued to visit our library. He loved to see our many changes: from being in the small conference room, to revitalizing our breezeway area and to moving into the Library Proper back in the late 1990’s, Heriberto was a great fan of our progress. Five years ago he planted a beautiful flowering tree on the hill by the the western side of the library.

Heriberto, we will see your bright smile and remember your enthusiasm for San Juan Community Library for years to come! Rest in peace, dear Heriberto! Our prayers and thoughts are with Ygrí and your family.