Martin Severo Navarro Abinsay (also known as Sammy or Sonny) was born November 8, 1913 in Cabaroan Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. He was the eldest child of Ciriaco P. Abinsay and Elena Navarro Abinsay. His siblings included Maria, Felipe, Antonio and Rosario.
In the Philippines, Sonny worked on his father's farm and went to school. In 1932, Sonny and his uncle, Pete Navarro, and cousin, Vincent Navarro boarded the boat 'President Lincoln', that docked in Washington State. They came to America to find work. Sonny worked on a beet farm in Concord, CA for 15 years. In 1952, he became a chef at the Capital Tamale in Sacramento. He worked there for 32 years until it burnt down in 1984. In 1954, he gained his US citizenship.
He married in 1948 (later divorced) to Aurora Duran (deceased) and his only child, Linda, was born in 1949. He is survived by Linda Christensen (Michael) and 5 grandchildren, Christy Gomm (Chris), Jason Christensen (Melinda), Timothy Christensen, LorAnne Lambert (Sean), Bryan Christensen (Riley) and 10 great-grand children.
When he retired, he spent his time playing cards in downtown Sacramento. He loved watching his Sacramento Kings. He spent time as the Secretary of the Filipino Society in Sacramento.
Sonny passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2013. He was 99 years old. Viewing will be from 1:00 pm at 3:00 pm at the Lind Brothers Mortuary @ 4221 Manzanita Ave, Carmichael, CA on Saturday the 6th of April 2013.