Juan Martinez

Juan C. Martinez, (also known as John) a lifelong resident of La Puebla passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 9, 2022. Juan was preceded in death by his parents, Rosario and Delfinia Martinez, brothers Paul and Gilbert Martinez, sister Mabel McReynolds, brother & sister in law Juan considered his own blood, Lupe and Sally Segura. Juan is survived by his wife Helen Ruth Martinez of La Puebla, his children Carol and husband Richard Salazar, Lenny Martinez and wife Nancy, Louie Martinez and wife Lorinda all of La Puebla. Grandchildren, Louie Martinez Jr. and wife Angelica, Louann Martinez and family. Step Grandchildren: Daina and husband Eddie Pacheco, Richie Salazar and wife Nicole, Steven Martinez and wife Tanya, and Matthew Martinez. Several great grandchildren including Michael, Deandre, and Ayana Pacheco who spent much of their youth in La Puebla visiting Juan weekly and were a big part of his life, also Isaiah, Amari, and Ezra Salazar and Stevie Rae Martinez. Juan is also survived by special niece JoAnn Rios of Albuquerque, special nephews Dan and Michael Segura of California, and many other relatives and friends.

Juan was an active member of El Buen Pastor church where he proudly served as an usher for many years. Juan had a very giving heart and enjoyed giving of his time and talent in the construction field to local churches such as the original El Buen Pastor Church on Barbee St as well as the current El Buen Pastor building years later located on Calle Rivera. He also donated his time and talent to River of Life Church in Pojoaque during the construction of their gym. Juan also had the opportunity to travel to Nicaragua and Juarez with his son Lenny and son in law Richard on a missions trip sponsored by Victory Faith Church. Those who knew Juan knew him for what a hard worker he was, his friends and family would often comment that Juan could outwork just about anyone even into his elderly years.

Special thank you to Pastor Richard Espinosa for his regular phone calls and prayers; Ben and Dru Roybal for their regular visits, prayers, and meals, and Gina Salazar for the many years of love and kindness as Juan’s hairdresser.

Serving the family as pallbearers are David Abeyta, Eddie Pacheco, Ben Roybal, Jake Vigil, Ted Lopez, and Steven Martinez.

Honorary pallbearers named are Felix Salazar of Alamosa, CO, Richie Salazar, Eloy Salazar, Henry Salazar, and Jimmy S. Martinez

Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 11:00 am at El Buen Pastor Church, 609 Calle Rivera, Espanola, NM. Internment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 11:30 am.

The family of Juan C Martinez has entrusted the gentle care of their loved one to Rivera Family Funeral Home in Espanola. We invite you to post a condolence, a thoughtful message, a photograph or share a memory for the family to read on the guestbook at www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com(505)753-2288