Manuel Martinez

Manuel Reyes Martinez, 84 of Upper San Pedro passed away peacefully at his home on July 28,2022. Mannie, as he was known to his loved ones, fought an 18 year long battle with Parkinson’s disease which became very challenging for him in the last few years. He peacefully and gently made his transition into the next life with his loving family and his dedicated hospice nurse, Trish Gonzales by his side.

Mannie was preceded in death by his grandparents Zacarias and Vicentita Trujillo, parents Benito and Rosaura Martinez, brothers Freddy Martinez, Juan Martinez, sister Vicentita (Tita) Ortega.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Ruth O.Martinez, daughter Linda Perraglio (Randy), son Ronald L.Martinez (Theresa), daughter Ginna L.Martinez, grandchildren Amy Perraglio, Vincent Perraglio (Jeric), Brandon Perraglio (Spencer) beloved grandcats Saffie, Peanut, and Hershey, sisters Josephine Martinez, Marie Kinney, Tina Baca, brothers Joe Z.Martinez, Francisco Martinez and many nieces and nephews.

Manny served in the Military as an Army National Guardsman, one of his proudest achievements. After discharge he began a 38 year career at Bandelier National Monument and was instrumental in building the early trails in the backcountry of the Monument. He loved telling his family and friends stories about the wildlife and the ancient pueblo ruins he’d encounter on his stays in the backcountry. One of his greatest joys was being helicoptered out to the backcountry while on duty.

Mannie loved creating photo collages, listening to Gregorian chants and KDCE. He was very creative and loved to give his creations as gifts. He also loved his beer and Moses-yes,the Ten Commandments Moses.

Special thanks to his neurologist Dr.Jill Marjama-Lyons. Her dedication to Mannie’s well being, prolonged his life and allowed us to have more precious time with him.

Mannie will be remembered lovingly and greatly missed by the countless lives he touched.

Cremation has taken place and funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 10:00am at DeVargas Funeral Home with burial to follow in Abiquiu at the Camposanto de Los Angeles. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren and their loved ones, Amy Perraglio, Vincent Perraglio, Jeric Jaramillo, Brandon Perraglio, Spencer Erives.

The Martinez family would like to thank everyone at DeVargas Funeral Home for making one of the most difficult times in a family's life a little easier to bear.