Arsenio J. Martinez

Arsenio J. Martinez, 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 12, 2017. He was a resident of Las Cruces and Santa Fe NM. He was born and raised in Chimayo, N.M. He is preceded in death by his wife Flora, son, Joseph Paul and his parents Apolonio and Celestina Martinez; his brothers and sister-in-laws; Abad and Fina Martinez, Sigfredo and Genoveva Martinez, Vences and Virginia Martinez, Robert and Alicia Martinez, Sister Fabiola Vigil, sister-in-law Jane Martinez, brother-in-law John Trujillo. He is survived by his children Carmela Martinez of Santa Fe. Catherine Martinez and spouse Linda Montoya of Las Cruces, Theresa Hoffacker and husband Benjamin of Las Cruces, Arsenio Martinez Jr. and wife Valerie of Santa Fe, Patricia Miller and husband Kelly of Pagosa Springs CO., Benita Martinez of Santa Fe, Leandro Martinez and wife Rebekah of Las Cruces, Marvin Martinez of Santa Fe, Celestina Torres and husband Carlos of San Antonio, TX, and Joseph Martinez and wife Natalie. He leaves behind 24 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his beloved brother Asencion Martinez and his sister Matilde Trujillo, brother-in-law Anastacio Vigil, and many nieces and nephews. Arsenio was a decorated Army Veteran Officer of the Korean War Conflict and member of the Fraternal Order of the Purple Heart. He worked for the New Mexico Highway Department. He was instrumental in the development of the State Right Of Way Monumentation Program, which he oversaw until his retirement. He had his own Professional Land Surveying business. He was also an English teacher and Boy Scout Leader, an athlete; played basketball and baseball. He enjoyed the great outdoors; loved hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed singing and dancing and loved poetry. He loved spending time with family and friends. He was a good uncle; he mentored many nieces and nephews, always providing advice when asked. Above all, he was a very good father and provider. He is loved by many and he will be greatly missed by all of us. The rosary will be held at Rivera Funeral Home on Monday, February 20, 2017 at 6:30pm. Mass will be Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 9:00 am at St John the Baptist Catholic Church. The burial is following at National Cemetery. There will be a reception to follow at the Elks Lodge (1615 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87505- (505)983-7711)