Urban Martinez

Urban Martinez, 57, a lifelong resident of La Villita, left us unexpectedly on Friday, July 16. Born on May 25, 1964 to Clyde and Rosalind Martinez, Urban entered the world as the youngest of 4 siblings and loved every minute of being “the baby” of the family. He spent much of his life proudly working beside his father at the family business with his mother, brother, sister, and wife at Z-4 Enterprises, Inc., eventually taking over the business. Additionally, Urban enjoyed working at the Rancho Z-4, the family ranch, tending to livestock and maintaining the alfalfa and other crops. Being at the ranch provided him joy, beauty, and pride in reflecting on the family’s history to obtain it. Urban accomplished many feats throughout his life, but the proudest accomplishment was being a father to his 3 children: Rebecca, Loren, and Cameron. He continuously beamed with pride as they navigated through life in their own way. Family was a huge piece of who Urban was, continuously supporting, loving, and joking with his loved ones. This love extended to all his friends who knew him. Urban also had a huge sense of humor and jokingly/lovingly had a nickname for everyone. In his free time, Urban loved snowmobiling with his friends, RZR riding with family, boating in Abiquiu, and exploring la sierra with his brother and sons rounding up cattle. The impact that Urban had on his family, friends, customers and anyone he encountered will be felt for years to come. A void in the family that can never be filled—he will truly be missed. Urban was preceded in death by his beloved son, Cameron Nolan; daughter, Baby Angel; brother, Hector; father-in-law, Deacon Benjie Lopez; brother-in-law, Morris; paternal grandparents, Celestino and Delfina Martinez; maternal grandparents, Felix and Simonita Sanchez. He is survived by his wife, Valerie; beloved children, Rebecca, Loren (Selena), and Kayla; parents, Clyde and Rosalind Martinez; siblings, Thedra (Matthew) and Wilbur (Priscilla) Martinez; mother-in-law, Lafie Lopez; sister-in-law, Lena (Andy) Martinez; brother-in-law, Jerome Lopez; mother of his first-born, Alexandra Naranjo and many nieces and nephews who he adored. Rosary will be prayed on Friday July 23, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. with a Catholic Mass to follow at 2:00 p.m. at the St. John the Baptist Church in Ohkay Owingeh.  Burial will take place at La Villita Cemetery on Saturday July 24, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. Serving the family as pallbearers: Wilbur Martinez, Andy Martinez, Carlos Salazar, Arthur “Junie” Cordova, Joby Montoya, and David Sanchez. Honorary pallbearers: Matthew Herrera, Jerome Lopez, Louie Montoya, Richard Garcia, Danny Romero, Nathan Ortiz, Danny Sanchez, Manuel Bustos, Tim Vigil, and Daniel Espinoza.

In leu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to The Cameron Martinez Memorial Fund to support young scholars in our valley. Checks can be sent to: PO Box 177 Alcalde, NM 87511.  The Family of Urban 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