Cover photo for Rubel Martinez's Obituary
Rubel Martinez Profile Photo
Rubel

Rubel Martinez

d. July 5, 2017


Rubel Francisco Martinez, 89, San Pedro, died Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at his home with his loving family by his side.  Rubel was born Dec. 30, 1927 in Cuarteles, the third of seven children (only son), to Ascencion Martinez and Esther Fresquez Martinez.  Rubel graduated from Santa Cruz High School in 1945. After graduating, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He attained the rank of sergeant while serving as a radio mechanic and operator. During his time serving our country he was stationed in the Republics of Panama and Jamaica. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in December 1948.  Following his discharge, Rubel attended what was then St. Michael’s College, earning a Bachelor’s degree. He then returned to Santa Cruz High School for two years, where he taught chemistry, calculus and physics.  His time in the military was life-changing. It sparked his interests in electronics, classical music and travel. Possessing a curiosity about almost anything, he researched and shared his knowledge with anyone willing to learn. He had a passion for repairing mechanical or electrical items and was fascinated by electricity.  He left teaching to work as an electronics technician for what later became Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). While at LANL he was a member of research teams which conducted nuclear tests at the Nevada Test Site and was instrumental in fabricating components for early space research and development. His job took him throughout the world.  In addition to working full time at LANL, he enjoyed farming and ranching. Always the adventurist he and his wife traveled extensively, visiting Europe, Philippines and Central America to name a few. During his travels, Rubel enjoyed sampling the local cuisines.  He will be remembered for his love of animals, nature (always noticing and commenting on the beautiful mountains), his quick wit, and gentle, kind ways.  Rubel is survived by his wife of 63 years, Laura, children Belinda (Bob), Rubel Jr. and Joseph Senchen; grandchildren Ashleigh, Rubel III, Lucas (Brittney) and Marissa; great-grandchildren Alexa and Aubree, his sisters Adelina Quintana, Amada Villareal, Ermalinda Martinez, and Delia Martinez (Gilbert).  A rosary will be recited on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Canada, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m.. Burial will be held at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are his sons, grandsons, and nephews Dennis Quintana and Harry Montoya.  The family asks in lieu of flowers, please make a donation for Alzheimer's research at alz.org/walk then search for team “RFM Forever”, charity of your choice or join us in the 2017 walk to end Alzheimer’s on August 26, 2017 in Santa Fe. The family of Rubel Francisco Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargasfuneral.com

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