Joe Martinez

Jose (Joe) Abundo Martinez, 91, passed away peacefully in his home on December 31, 2021. He was born to Louis and Ramona Martinez in Levi, NM. He was a longtime resident of Santa Fe and Lyden, NM. He now joins Rose Ann Sanchez Martinez, the love of his life, who he married on July 30,1959 and his son Joseph in heaven.

He is also preceded in death by his parents Ramona and Louis Martinez, brothers Jesse, Art, and Sixto Martinez.  

Jose is survived by his children; Jesse Martinez, Andrew Martinez, Gerardine Rodriguez (Husband Ernie), Diego Martinez (Wife, Audrey), and Martin Martinez. 17 grandchildren; Joseph, Carlos, Gabriel, June, Garland, Tabitha, Jason, Amanda, Miguel, Stevan, Lucas, Tomas, Liliana, Diego, Alicia, Anisa, Angel. Great grandchildren; Janelle, Cain, Justice, Valiant, Jayde, Isabella, Macario, Tessa, Te’a and Elijah.

He is also survived by sisters Genara Cunningham, Mary Dillon and husband Dave, Fermie Lujan (Rudy) Gina CdeBaca (Oliver) brothers Irenio and wife Orlinda, Louis (Helen) Diego (Christine). He was a United States army veteran from 1949-1951 having served during the Korean War from 1950-1951.

 After a six-year stay in California with his parents, he returned to Santa Fe and at the age of 18 to build a casita for his family to live in while he designed and built a five bedroom home for his parents and siblings and later built a house for his wife and family. He was the owner of Capitol Cabinet Shop for 60 years, guiding his sons in his craft resulting in all four of his sons owning their own business. He was a member of Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community and a violinist in the music ministry. He participated in many Banjo and Fiddle contests playing his violin and won several awards playing bluegrass style music. He was inducted into the Hispanic Traditional Folk Musician’s Hall of Fame in 1997. “Joe”, as his extended family called him, was revered by his family and all those that knew him. He has left a void in our hearts and will be sorely missed. He leaves a legacy of commitment, loyalty, humility and work ethic-his recipe for a successful life. 

Public viewing will be held at 10:00 A.M. followed by a Rosary at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, January 10, 2022 followed by mass of christian burial at 11:00 A.M at Santa Maria de La Paz Catholic Community located at 11 College, Avenue Santa Fe NM 87508

Funeral service will be live streamed at    SMDLP.org click twitter

Burial will be at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on January 11, 2022 at 9:00 A.M.

A reception will be held following the Mass at Pecos Trail Cafe

Arrangements are under the direction of Rivera Funeral services  

Masks are Required.