Jose Martinez Sr.

Jose (Bozo) Maria Claudio Martinez Sr, 73 a lifelong resident of Velarde, NM passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday December 7, 2021 from a lengthy illness, surrounded by his loving family. Jose was born in Embudo, NM on January 30, 1948 to Ramon and Elvira Martinez. He was the youngest of 8 children.

He graduated from Espanola High School in Espanola, NM in 1969 and was drafted to the United States Army during the Vietnam War where he proudly served for 2 years and was honorably discharged. When he returned home he started his career as an auto mechanic which he continued until he sustained injuries in 1996 which caused him to become disabled.

In February of 1972, he started dating the love of his life, Jeannie Miera and on August 31, 1972 they were married. During their 49 years of marriage, they were blessed with three sons: Arturo, Jose Jr, and Ramon Martinez, 11 grandchildren, and 1 great grand daughter.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Ramon and Elvira Martinez, his In-Laws: Ubaldo and Esther Miera, Brothers: Robert, Ramon, and Ernesto Martinez, Sisters: Lydia McClure (Art), and Josephine Stone (Guy), sister in-law Genny Lonnie, and niece Yvonne Martinez who was raised like a daughter.

He is survived by his wife Jeannie Martinez of 49 years. Children: Arturo Martinez (Belinda) their son Cruzito, Jose Martinez Jr (Jessica) their children: Antonio, Jose III, Alejandro, Ashlynn, and Ivan, Ramon Martinez (Karrie) their children: Stephanie (Joshua) their daughter Allison, Ramon Jr, Beverly, Rihanna, and Ariel. Sisters: Carol (Lee) Lovato of Arizona and Hilda Roybal of California. Brother in-laws: Albert Miera(Joyce), Julian Miera, Wally Miera (Leona), Michael Miera (Marilyn), Vinton Lonnie, and Dion Martinez and Tara Garcia who were raised as children, and many other nieces, nephews, and relatives.

Jose (Bozo) was a very humble and hard working man that was very devoted to his family. He was a man of many talents and a jack of all trades who taught his children the value of hard work and doing the job right the first time, “Measure twice and cut once”, and “work smarter not harder”, were his famous words. Jose also loved spending quality time with his grandkids. He would spend hours outside playing with them and watching them ride their bikes.

A Family Viewing will be held at Devargas Funeral Home on Dec. 21, 2021 at 5pm followed by Public Viewing at 5:30pm and the Rosary at 6pm. The Mass will be held the following day at the Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Catholic Church in Velaede, NM at 11am and the Burial to follow at the Velarde Catholic Cemetery, with the following serving as Pallbearers: Arturo Martinez, Jose Martinez Jr, Ramon Martinez, Antonio Vigil, Alejandro Vigil, and Ramon Martinez Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Jose Martinez III, Cruzito Martinez, Troy Lonnie, Dion Martinez, Jeremy Kessinger, Nino Fresquez, and Clarence Roybal Sr. The family would like to invite everyone to join us for a meal following the burial in the Parish Hall next to the Velarde Catholic Church.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sl-W-LzE5F0

The family of Jose C. 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