Joseph “Joe” Martinez, a resident of Arroyo Seco, went home to be with his Creator on Saturday, May 10, 2026, after a lengthy illness.

He was preceded in death by his father, Manuel Martinez; his brother, Ted Martinez; his grandparents, Concepcion and Esther Martinez, and Guzman and Antonita Vigil; his uncles, Freddie Martinez, Eloy Martinez, Bobby Vigil, and Mike Vigil; and his aunts, Matilda Romero, Flora Chavez, Bernarita Cordova, Frances Holt, Christina Vigil, Sylvia Salazar, and Bertha Maestas.

Joe is survived by his loving mother, Lilly V. Martinez of the family home; his brothers, Israel Martinez (Anita) of Albuquerque, Tim Martinez of El Guache, and Mark Martinez (Stephanie) of Los Lunas; his uncles, Richard Martinez, Gilbert Martinez, Jose Martinez (Viola), and David Vigil; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Joe worked for many organizations throughout the Santa Fe, Pojoaque, and Nambe Pueblo areas, but his greatest joy and responsibility was serving as a caregiver for his mother. Even during the darkest hours of his own illness, his number one priority remained his mother’s care and well-being. Throughout his lengthy illness, Joe found comfort in knowing he could depend on the kindness and support of neighbors and friends who were always willing to lend a helping hand.

A special thank you is extended to Claudine Medina, Kathy and Anthony Gonzales, Freddie Trujillo, Roger Maestas and Clyde Sanchez for all the care, support, and assistance afforded to Joe and his mother.

The family would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, and medical staff of Espanola Presbyterian Hospital, Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, AMG Specialty Hospital, Lovelace Medical Center, and The Princeton Place for the excellent care provided to Joe. In addition, heartfelt thanks are extended to the EMTs and firefighters of the Santa Fe County Fire Department.

Special thanks to Deacon Dennis Montoya for the many trips he made, regardless of the facility, to bring prayer, conversation, and companionship to Joe. Joe enjoyed those visits immensely. Special thanks also to Father Javier for administering Joe’s last rites. The calm that came over Joe at that moment showed he was at peace and ready for whatever God had planned for him.

A Rosary will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 9:30 am, with Mass to follow at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Espanola, NM.  Burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Espanola, NM.

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