Tranquilino Martinez

Tranquilino Martinez Jr., 95, a resident of Rio Lucio, NM, passed away October 10, 2024. Tranquilino was born on November 21, 1928 in Dixon, NM to Tranquilino Martinez Sr. and Rafaelita Martinez Y Atencio. His family later moved to Tres Ritos, NM where he spent the majority of his youth. He recalled not liking school as a child ironically becoming a school teacher later in life. Tranquilino was one of seven siblings. 

He graduated from Penasco High School. He then served in the United States Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky during the Korean Conflict where he served in the HqH&S Co 761st Tk Bn as a PFC. He was offered the rank of Corporal but decided to return home. While in the Army he married his Baby Doll, Floraida Rodriguez as he used to call her. They were married for 72 years. 

After the Army he worked at Gilly’s Motor Co. a Studebaker/Jeep dealership in the auto parts department in Farmington, NM. There he learned the everyday operations of running an auto parts store eventually becoming the General Manager. 

He then attended college at Fort Lewis in Durango Colorado earning a Bachelor’s Degree in English. He was then offered a teaching position working for the Penasco Independent Schools where he taught for many years. While in this school district both he and his wife Floraida were class sponsors to several graduating classes. They both enjoyed working together as a team in education until they both retired.

Tranquilino was a devoted teacher who had a positive impact on his students. His students lovingly referred to him as “Mr. T.” He is remembered for teaching English and Speech classes. He was the sponsor of the School Newspaper, Yearbook and Drama Clubs, and directed various Senior Plays. During his time as an educator, he also pursued farming and ranching, raising cattle and horses. This led him to purchase equipment for farming, ranching and excavation eventually turning it into the “TM Excavation” family business. 

After his retirement in education, he and his wife Floraida fully devoted their time to gardening. They both enjoyed selling their award-winning produce at Northern New Mexico Farmers Markets. 

He was a lifelong learner who enjoyed taking music classes at Northern New Mexico Community College. He learned to play various musical instruments such as the piano, organ, guitar, violin, and accordion. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading, he especially liked reading “The Classics.” His hobbies were photography, watching western TV shows and movies, ranching and gardening. 

He was also involved with the Rio Lucio Middle and Southside Acequia Associations serving in different capacities during his lifetime. He also served in the Rio Lucio Water Association.

He was a devout Catholic and served as a Eucharistic Minister, Mayordomo, Lector and Carmelito. He enjoyed singing and playing the organ and guitar in the San Antonio De Padua Church choir. Tranquilino was a firm believer in Father Pio and his life story. Tranquilino’s favorite song was “Ave Maria.”

He is survived by his children Pablo (Consuelo “Connie”) Martinez, Pedro (Angela) Martinez, Yolanda (Armando) Ulibarri and Patricio (Yvette) Martinez.

Grandchildren: Epolito “Polo” (Perla) Ulibarri, Matthew (Amber) Martinez, Ryan (Alexandra “Lexy”) Martinez, Michelle Martinez, Megan (DJ) Casados.

Great-Grandchildren: Bentley Martinez, Riley Martinez, and Caleb Casados.

Tranquilino is also survived by his sister Clorinda Gonzales and husband Joe Gonzales. Half-Sisters Rafaelita Gonzales, Andelisa Torres. Half- Sister-in-Law Finnie Martinez. Half-Brothers: Victor (Mary) Martinez, Nelson (Blanca) Martinez, Carlos (Ana) Martinez and many nieces and nephews.

Tranquilino is preceded in death by his wife +Floraida Martinez. His parents +Tranquilino Martinez Sr. and +Rafaelita Martinez Y Atencio. Father and Mother- in- Law +Epolito and +Eloisa Rodriguez. Step Mother Melinda Cordova. Sisters: +Inez Maria Gilliland, +Clara Guerrero, +Rosita Mostacciuolo, +Teresa Araiza, +Ernestina Valencia. Brother: +Tobias Martinez. Sister-in-Law +Elsida Arellano Y Martinez. Brother-in-Laws: +Leonard Gilliland, +Manuel Guerrero, +Alfonso Mostacciuolo, +Luis Araiza, +Jerry Valencia. Half Brother +Danny Martinez, Half Brother-in-Law +Anastacio Gonzales. 

Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 4:00 pm led by the Rio Lucio Carmelitas and at 7:00 pm led by the Hermanos at the San Antonio De Padua Church in Penasco, New Mexico.

Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 11:00 am at the San Antonio De Padua Church in Penasco, New Mexico with internment to follow at the Martinez Property in Tres Ritos, New Mexico.

Reception following the internment at the Penasco Community Center.

Readers: Michelle Martinez and Megan Casados

Serving as Pallbearers are: Pablo Martinez, Pedro Martinez, Patricio Martinez, Polo Ulibarri, Matthew Martinez, Ryan Martinez, and DJ Casados.

Honorary Pallbearers: Armando Ulibarri, Bentley Martinez, Riley Martinez, and Caleb Casados.

Special Thank You to Tranquilino and Floraida’s lifelong friends, who called, visited and prayed for them on a regular basis. The Carmelitas, Hermanos, Father Clarence Maes, Deacon Patrick Martinez and the San Antonio De Padua Choir. The Espanola Hospital Staff, Dr. David Gould, El Centro Campesino Staff, The Taos Walmart Pharmacy Staff, Dr. Salvadeeswaran Lakshmi-Narayanan and Dr. Alexandra Voinescu, nurse Tiffany and the Rivera Family Funeral Home.