Teofilo Martinez

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Teofilo Martinez, who passed away on August 26, 2025, at the age of 91. He was surrounded by his loving family when he passed after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Teofilo was born on August 17, 1934, in Vallecitos, New Mexico, to Jose and Teofila Martinez. He proudly served our country in the United States Army, spending two years on active duty in Germany and six years in the National Guard. On September 16, 1961, he married the love of his life, Amelia, and together they shared 64 wonderful years.

He was a dedicated worker, retiring from Duke City Lumber Company after 34 years of service and continuing to work at Big Rock Casino for an additional 12 years.

Teofilo lived life to its fullest and loved to socialize with everyone. He was a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan but was an even bigger fan of his children and grandchildren. He loved watching them participate in all of their sporting events and other performances. He never missed an opportunity to cheer for them near or far.

Teofilo was preceded in death by his son, Kenny; his parents, Jose and Teofila; his brothers, Ernesto (Felonise) and Ben (Bertha), his sisters, Celina, Anita (Abelardo) and Cora and his in-laws; Cecilia, Rufinita, Pete, and Beltran.

He is survived by his wife, Amelia; his daughters, Kathy, Karen, and Kim; his grandchildren, Kristopher (Tiffini), Kenneth (Crystal), Felyse (Anyssa), and AthenaGrace; and his great-grandchildren, Kai, Kristopher, Zendaya, Solei, Carter, and Leandro. He is also survived by his brother, Roy; his sister, Isabel (David); his in-laws, Ben, Joe and Susie; along with numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren, other relatives and friends.

A Public Visitation will be on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 5:00 pm in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, with a Rosary to follow at 6:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Holy Cross Church  in Santa Cruz, NM, at 10:30 am with Burial to follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:30 pm.

Pallbearers: Kristopher, Kenneth, Felyse, AthenaGrace, Kai, and Kristopher

Honorary Pallbearers: Tiffini, Crystal, Anyssa, Zendaya, Solei, Carter, Leandro, Katt and Godchildren

The Martinez Family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our family and friends for the visits, phone calls, prayers, food and drinks. A special thank you to Tony for faithfully providing the Holy Eucharist daily, and to the AmberCare Hospice Team for their compassionate medical care and support. We are also deeply grateful to DeVargas Funeral Home for the kindness and gentleness shown to Teofilo and our family during this difficult time.

The family of Teofilo Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley 505-747-7477.