Benny P. Martinez, 68 of Chimayo/Velarde passed away peacefully at his residence on February 8, 2026. He was a devoted husband, father, friend and was known for his love, great kindness, and selfless care for others.

Benny loved his family dearly and found great joy spending time and sharing a meal or two with them. He sure loved going out to eat.

He dedicated his life to restoring and painting cars, he was a big lowrider enthsiast and loved to cruise his cars which was his favorite past time. If he was not in his garage painting, he was also a skilled Construction Journeyman, a man of great talent.

He also had a green thumb and in the summer time you would find him at his garden planting and watering his fruits and veggies. He loved sharing the fruits of his garden with family and friends.

Benny loved his cats and if you would ever go visit him you would be greeted by them but his favorite was his Guerito who was always by his side and he would say that Guero was his buddy and they both have shared good and sad times together and that's why he cherished him.

Benny will be greatly missed but his memory will live forever in all the hearts of the people he touched throughout his life and by all the cars he painted.

Benny was preceded in death by his loving wife Wanda, his parents: Ricardo and Adelina Martinez, his brother Richard Martinez, his grandparents: Plajeres and Onofre Martinez, Sabino and Celistina Martinez, in laws: Manuel and Emma Lopez, Trinidad and Eufelia Ortega.

He is survived by his beloved son Benino Martinez, two sisters that he adored: Molly Cordova, Lydia Sandoval, nieces: Michelle Cordova, Shelia Vigil, Crystal Martinez, nephews: Robert Sandoval, Joshua Cordova, cousins: Jose and Sofia Martinez and many other relatives and friends.

The family extends our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to his caregivers: Jose Martinez, and Lydia Sandoval. His nurse: Lucrecia Chavez and all who supported Benny during this difficult time.

Services are pending at this time and will be announced as soon as they become available. 

The Family of Benny P. Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the Espanola Valley 505-747-7477.