Epifanio "Eppie" Martinez

Epifanio “Eppie” Martinez

March 7, 1935 – December 19, 2020

Epifanio “Eppie” Martinez, a resident of Santa Cruz, was called to be with our Lord on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at the age of 85.  Eppie was born on March 7, 1935 and raised in Chimayo, to parents Abelino and Faustina Martinez.  He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many.  He was a heavy equipment operator for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 769) and worked in many states for 27 years.  He was a hardworking man and was serious about his job. He took pleasure working in his yard with his trees, garden, and planting flowers.  Eppie loved joking around and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He enjoyed talking with his friends and the many people he met throughout his lifetime.  He often shared stories of his work days and life experiences.  He was also known for buying and selling plastic and metal barrels.  Eppie will be missed, but never forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Abelino and Faustina Martinez; brothers Abel, Herbacio and Cayetano Martinez; sisters Priscilla Maestas, Elisa Cordova      and Geneva Martinez; son Thomas “Tommy” Martinez; grandson Thomas Martinez; in-laws Manuel and Carmelita Vigil; brothers-in-law Manuel Jr., Emilio, Samuel, and Tony Vigil; Elmer Torres, Pat Montoya, and sisters-in-law Lusita King, and Marlene Martinez.

Eppie is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Rose Martinez; daughter Yolly Martinez; son Tim (Myra) Martinez; brothers Richard and Fidel (Loyda) Martinez; grandchildren Carmelita (Andres) Borrego who he helped raise; Tamara, Tanaya, Brandon (Nicole), and Alysia Martinez; great grandchildren Matthew Archuleta-Martinez, Lynessa Padilla, Ivory Martinez, Ezraniah Borrego, Diamond Dixion, and Selena Martinez; his beloved little dog Chiquito; brother-in-law Jose (Esther) Vigil; sisters-in-law Mary Montoya, Isabel Torres, and Alice (Robert) Gallegos and many other relatives and friends.

Public visitation will take place at the Holy Family Chapel of Rivera Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, January 8, 2021 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 2:00 pm at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada, with a burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Serving the family as honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family of Epifanio “Eppie” Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the Rivera Family Funeral Home & Crematory of Espanola.  Please visit riverafamilyfuneralhome.com to share your condolences, memories, and photos.

Please share your memories, condolences, and thoughts with the Martinez Family.