Tony Martinez

Heraldo Antonio “Tony” Martinez, a beloved son, brother, stepdad, granddad, nephew, cousin and friend passed away on November 17, 2020 unexpectedly at the age of 61.

Tony is preceded in death by his beloved mother Ninfa Martinez, father Jose Abel Martinez, brothers Jose Abel Jr, Daniel, Nolan, Nelson, John and his life-long partner Lorna Lewis.

Tony is survived by his brothers Ralph and Charlie (Camy), stepson William, his wife Amanda, and grandson Wesley. As well as, his aunt and second mom, Lugarda Montoya, Aunts Catalina and Eliza Martinez, and Uncles Nestor Martinez (Delia), and Richard Martinez (Lillian) and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

Tony was born on January 16, 1959 and lived his entire life in Chimayo with his mother, brothers, and family. He graduated from Espanola Valley High School in 1978. During his senior year, he attended classes at Northern New Mexico Community College in El Rito, where he obtained a mechanical technical degree and became a certified mechanic. For several years, Tony worked as a certified mechanic at Henry Valencia dealership in Espanola. After an injury, he decided to open his own shop at home to continue his love of fixing cars and helping people. Tony loved helping people. He loved the challenge of trouble-shooting cars that no one else could fix. His popularity grew as a mechanic and he had many friends. He was so gregarious that everywhere he went, he conversed with either an old friend or made a new one.

Tony was a major car lover, a problem solver, a dog whisper, and care-giver most of his adult life. In 2006, after the death of his brother, Nolan, Tony became the caregiver for his mother until 2010 and continued to take care of Ralph. In 1988, he opened his heart to Lorna, her son, Billy and later his wife Amanda and their son, Wesley.

God’s word in John15:13 states, “The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them.” This is how Tony lived. What a beautiful act of love – Tony’s faith gave him the strength to care for and sacrifice his life for his family. Tony’s warm personality, smile, and loving heart will be missed by many. His heart was so big that he not only loved the two-legged friends but also the four-legged ones. He often took his dogs and Ralph along for a ride to Espanola. We ask that you continue to pray for him and the entire family.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to everyone who has reached out with acts of love, friendship, and financial assistance during this challenging time. May God bless you!

The family of Heraldo has requested that donations toward his burial be made directly to Rivera Family Funeral Home of Espanola by calling (505) 753-2288.

A viewing will be held at Rivera Family Funeral Home in Espanola on Thursday, December 10, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please respect the 5 person gathering limit by passing through and allowing more vistors the opportunity, as well as wearing a mask. 

Holy Family Parish of Chimayo will host a Rosary at 9:15 a.m., folllowed by Mass at 10 a.m., followed by burial for Heraldo on Friday, December 11th.

Footsteps:

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes of his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to him and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints, he also noticed that it happened at the very lowes and saddest times in his life. This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it, “Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand.” The Lord replied, “My precious child, I love you and would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”