Michael Martinez

We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, uncle, friend, Michael A. Martinez, 33 a resident of Rio Rancho, formerly of Alcalde, NM on Tuesday July 14, 2020 as a result of Covid-19. He was born to Anthony and Judy Martinez of Alcalde on June 15, 1987. He was a 2005 graduate of Espanola Valley High School. Michael was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents William L. and Sinforosa Towles, his aunt Lillian (Teddy) Martinez, his uncle Roy Towles, and his uncle Gilbert Towles, all of Chimayo, NM, his uncle Leroy Sanchez of Espanola, his uncle Leroy Padilla and uncle George Romero of Santa Fe, and his great-grandparents, Jose Livino and Pelegrina Padilla of Santa Fe. He was a kind and gentle soul, never failed to say hello with that barrel of a voice of his or give a big bear hug to anyone who wanted one. His kindness was infectious. He enjoyed “glamping” with his family but always got bored after the first day and started asking “are we going home yet?”, “are we going home yet?”. He loved horsing around with his nephews and playing video games for hours with them. “Mikey” was completely filled with so much love that it spread to all of the pets in the neighborhood. He loved traveling and he had the perfect job for that. He got to travel all over the country and sometimes internationally. He was so anxious to get back to work so he could start traveling because he was so bored. He is survived by his parents Anthony and Judy Martinez of Alcalde, his paternal grandparents Arturo and Dolores Salazar, sisters Melanie Martinez (Troy), and Kimberly Martinez (Devin) of Phoenix, AZ, nephews Sage, Jayden, Orion Montoya, and Darius Padilla of Alcalde, Kaelon Martinez of Phoenix, and nieces, Jazlynn Padilla of Alcalde, and Aiyana and PJ Del Palacio of Phoenix. He also leaves behind his best friend Aaron Sandoval, (Ashleigh) of Rio Rancho. They were true brothers. Also surviving Michael are his many uncles, aunts, and cousins who loved him dearly. He will be truly missed. Honorary pallbearers are Aaron Sandoval, Michael Trujillo, Troy Padilla, Andres Herrera, Sage Montoya, Jayden Montoya, and Orion Montoya. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory. Due to COVID-19 we are only allowing up to 75 people which includes immediate family, close aunts, uncles, close cousins and a few close friends to attend the viewing. Masks are mandatory .  A service celebrating his life will be announced and held at a later date. The family of Michael Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477