Richard Martin Martinez

Ricky Martinez was born on May 3, 1975. 

He passed away suddenly on June 14, 2024.

He was preceded in death by great uncles Benito & Julio Martinez; uncle Juan Reyes; paternal great-grand parents Bernadita & Juan Martinez; paternal grandmother Tillie Martinez; maternal grandparents Tomas & Pauline Martinez; and close cousins Bernie and Joe Sanchez & Tito Martinez.

He is survived by daughters Mercedes Martinez & RaeAnn Gallegos; parents Lorenzo & Patricia Martinez; brothers Anthony Martinez/Tara & Lorenzo Jr. Martinez/Rhonda; aunt & uncle Linda & Gene Garcia & Katrina Gallegos; nieces Sarabeth, Hannah, & Joleesa Martinez; nephews Nicholas & Noah Martinez; cousins Brenda & AnnRicka Martinez, Maria & Mario Sanchez, Ira, Joseph & Mariah Tapia, Robbie/Samantha, Robbie Jr./Ashley, Gina & Josh Garcia, Eric Martinez, Angelique Reyes, Juanito/Valentia Talor, Jacob/Amanda & Julian/Elena Gallegos. & Marcella Martinez; his special friends Amos, Wilfred, Andrew & JD.

Ricky graduated frum Espanola High school in 1993. Then went on to Northern New Mexico College to pursue his Associates Degree in forestry. He started his career with the Forest Service with the YCC program in 1991 on the Santa Fe National Forest, Espanola Ranger District. Then moving into Fire as a seasonal Working both on the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests working on Engines and Handcrews. Ricky served as Burn Boss, Engine Boss, Incident Commander, Division Group Supervisor, and Taskforce Leader on fires across the country. He was currently serving as the Acting Assistant Fire Management Officer at the Coyote Ranger District on the Santa Fe National Forest

Ricky was truly a one-of-a-kind soul. He left his mark on everyone he encountered. He had a heart of gold. Who dedicated the majority of his time to his career. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting & four wheeling. But most of all fighting fire. He loved spending time with his brothers, daughters, nieces, nephews & cousins. Ricky had a one of kind laugh that brought everyone joy. Some of his loveable Characteristics were his trust worthiness, bravery, dependability, empathetic heart, great leadership skills. But most of all his heart of gold. the loved animals & the outdoors. Ricky was a terrific, loving & devoted father. His best friends were his two brothers Anthony & Lorenzo Jr. whom shared a brotherly love like no other. May he rest in peace. 

A Public Viewing will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 5:30 pm in the Chapel of Peace at DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM, with a Rosary to follow at 6:00 pm.

On Friday, June 28, 2024, Mass will be at Sacred Heart Parish in Espanola, NM, at 12:00 pm.  Burial will take place at a later date.

Serving as Pallbearers are:  Anthony Lorenzo Jr. and Nicholas Martinez, Ira Tapia, Mario Sanchez, Robbie Garcia, Amos Corrales, D Vialpando and Coyote Ranger Station.  

Honorary Pallbearers are:  Sarabeth, Noah, Hannah and Joleesa Martinez.

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