Samuel Gilberto Martinez

Samuel Gilberto Martinez, of Las Vegas, NM, age 74 passed away surrounded by many of his family members in Albuquerque, NM late night on Sunday, May 5, 2019. Samuel was born in the Majestic city of Mora, NM to Maclovia and Benjamin Martinez on November 29, 1944. He was a veteran and retired school teacher. As a young man he served our country from 1963 to 1966 as an auto repairman/mechanic for the United States Army, 1st Calvary Ninth Division exiting with an honorable discharge. He attended Mora schools where he graduated high school and shortly after joined the military. Upon his return he continued his education at New Mexico Highlands University. Earning his degree with a Masters Plus in the field of childhood education he then became a well-known and respected Special Education and later a 6th grade teacher for the Mora School District from where he eventually retired. He commuted daily from his home in Las Vegas, NM where he resided peacefully on Harris Road. A man of his faith and a lifelong member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Las Vegas, NM. He loved taking his daughters and grandchildren to church with him on Sundays and any other time he could make a service. His favorite hobby was that of an avid fisherman who was actually told by his late Brother Alfonso (A.K.A) partner in crime, “SAM, YOU FISH WITH A VENGEANCE!”. They enjoyed so many trips together that there likely was not a stream, river or lake in beautiful NM that they hadn’t conquered! He loved the great outdoors and traveling to visit family and friends in the states and abroad! As a matter of facts he was lucky to travel to the Holy Land with the famous Father George Salazar among many other friends and church members, a trip he constantly raved about!!! He made sure to bring the gift of a rosary back to each of his siblings back from Jerusalem. Samuel was always keeping himself busy fixing and improving things around his home and those of others as well. Idle hands he would say are the Devils workshop! He was also a social butterfly spending much of his spare time around the city at the V.F.W. or local coffee shops and Walmart where he met Luz his lovely lady who shared the past 17 years of his life with him. He truly enjoyed meeting new friends or shooting the breeze with old ones. Samuel was a VERY GENEROUS man who was known for his hilarious and jokey sense of humor! He was adventurous, loving, kindhearted, thoughtful, and knowledgeable always stressing the importance of continuing ones education. Samuel was always willing to lend a helping hand to those he loved and even a stranger he had just met. He was the best son, brother, father, uncle, cousin, grandfather, great grandfather and friend anyone could ever be blessed with! Mr. Martinez had the wisdom to disburse the best advice anyone needed. Samuel will be forever loved and sincerely missed by all who were privileged enough to know or have met him, a man wise beyond his 74 blessed years on earth!!!! Samuel is survived by his son Sammy Maes, daughters Flora Martinez and Marcia Martinez, ten grandchildren, one great-grandchild along with five wonderful sisters Rose, Ernestine, Jane, Gloria and Frances and three loving brothers David, Dan and Margarito. He was preceded in death by his sister Margaret Martinez, his father Benjamin, his mother Maclovia, several nieces, nephews, cousins and two brothers George Martinez and Alfonso Martinez. Both services will take place at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH in Las Vegas, NM The Rosary will be prayed by Mrs. Carla O’Neil on the evening of Wednesday, May 15th at 7 P.M The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, May 16th at 9 A.M. followed by the burial at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:45 P.M. A very special thanks to Mr. Jim Martinez and Rivera Family Funeral Home, in Espanola, NM.