Horace J. Martinez, 82, of Chimayo, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026. He was born on October 25, 1943, in Alcalde, New Mexico.

Horace was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. On February 27, 1965, he married the love of his life, Stella Martinez. Together they shared 61 years of marriage and built a loving home in Chimayo, where they raised their family.

He proudly served in the New Mexico National Guard and went on to work for Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he retired after 37 years of dedicated service. Horace also volunteered with the Chimayo Fire Department for 24 years.

A faithful member of Holy Family Parish in Chimayo, Horace served as an usher and eucharistic minister, volunteered in church activities, and along with Stella, was honored with the St. Francis of Assisi Award by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in 2016.

Horace found joy in caring for his yard, doing word searches, and watching old Western shows. He deeply loved his family and community and will be remembered for his kindness, humility, and unwavering generosity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Policarpio and Margaret Martinez; his suegritos, Vences J. and Virginia Martinez; his grandson, Deon Gonzales; and his fur baby, Gatsby.

Horace is survived by his loving wife Stella and his fur baby Jax;, his son Manuel and wife Yolanda of Chimayo, their children Brandon (Leonardo) of Santa Fe and Estrella (Hiyatake) of Chimayo and great granddaughter Destiny Salazar of Albuquerque, daughter Anna and her son Dominic (Kaitlyn) of Santa Fe. Sisters Priscilla Martinez of Alcalde and Helen and husband Eloy Romero of Espanola and his nephews Jeff and Jovanna Martinez and James T. and wife Kabrina Martinez of Espanola, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Larry and wife Selvin Martinez of Columbia, Maryland, Sr. Lucille Martinez of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Albert and wife Juanita Martinez of Pojoaque, Mario and wife Gale Martinez of Albuquerque and James and wife Betty Martinez of Chimayo and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

The Martinez family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to Giving staff Reina Griego and Andres Ramirez; Ambercare nursing staff Jaime Greene, Virginia Sanchez, Carla Martinez and Yvette Pacheco for their care and support during this difficult time.

Special thank you to the following people: Yolanda Martinez, Fr. Sebastian Lee and Fr. John Plans, acolytes Gene Montoya and David Redman, Melissa Salazar Porter, Sennie Quintana, and DeVargas Funeral Home for all the support that was provided to send our loving husband, dad, grandpa, and brother to his eternal home.

Services will be held on March 27, 2026, at Holy Family Church in Chimayo. Rosary will be recited at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at El Potrero Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Brandon, Estrella, Dominic, Jeff, James Sr., and Albert Martinez.

Honorary pallbearers: James Martinez Jr., Eloy Romero, and James T. Martinez.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul at Holy Family Parish, Chimayo, NM 87522.

The family of Horace Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477.