Benito Leroy Martinez

Benito LeRoy Martinez, 82,  a resident of Albuquerque, born January 16, 1938, passed away Monday, December 14, 2020.

Benito Leroy Martinez passed away peacefully in his home on December 14, 2020 with loved ones by his side.

Benito LeRoy was born to Benny and Natividad Martinez January 16, 1938 in Chimayo, New Mexico. Leroy is predeceased by his parents, his sister, Edna Valdez and his eldest daughter, Bonnie Martinez.

Benito LeRoy is survived by his brother, Dicky P Martinez and his wife Donila and their children Ricardo and Paula.  Benito Leroy married Rosabella Velarde in 1957 and had five children, Yvonne, Lee, Ivan Jeffrey, Andrew, and Vanessa. Yvonne was mother to Nicholas and Brianna Martinez; Lee has one daughter, Chelsea Renee Casanova; Ivan Jefferey has one son, Zene; Andrew and his wife, Bryn have two children, Zakary and Zoey; Vanessa has one daughter Terika. He was blessed with five great grandchildren.

Benito LeRoy also married Martha Ferguson November 28, 1974 and had one son, Roy Christopher Martinez.

Benito LeRoy grew up in Riverside and attended Espanola High School Where he played football and basketball. He also attended Aledo high school for a short time. After moving to Pasadena, California where he got his education as a machinist from Northbrook, Benito Leroy worked in California, Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Los Alamos, New Mexico until he retired.

Benito LeRoy loved taking his motorcycle on long trips, playing his guitar and singing for his friends. It was an honor to know that he dedicated his life to AA groups,  Albuquerque was his home group, this is where he helped so many people to a life of sobriety. This was one of his biggest accomplishments, helping others to a better life. We all will miss him dearly.

Due to Covid19 , services will be postponed. Funeral services will be held March 12, 2021 at 10am at Holy Family Parish, 1440 Private Drive NM-76 #10, Chimayo, New Mexico 87522. Burial will follow at Holy Family Cemetery. The family of Benito LeRoy 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