|
Manuel (Mel) F. Martinez, 80, a lifelong resident of Cuba, NM; a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away unexpectedly, Friday, December 2, 2005, as a result of an accident. He was a World War II Veteran, retired educator, lifetime rancher, and community leader. He was born January 1, 1925, to Emiliano and Teresita Martinez, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by Lucarita Martinez; and his brother, Roberto (Tony) Martinez. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Emma Martinez of the family home; five daughters and one son, Theresa Martinez, Albuquerque, Sharon and husband, Gilbert Duran, Bernalillo, NM, Shirley Martinez and Albert Jacquez, Rio Rancho, NM, Linda and husband, Jim Linnane, Taos, NM, Michael Martinez, Santa Fe, NM and Carmen and husband, Matt O'Hearn, Wichita Falls, TX; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; four sisters, Alice Luciani, Angie and husband, Rudy Grande, Roseanne Lemke, Bianca and husband, Joe Marti; brother, Arthur Martinez; sister-in-law, Esther Martinez; numerous nieces, nephew, other relatives and friends who loved and will miss him dearly. Mel was a strong believer in God and Family. He was a hard worker who instilled great values in the many lives he touched. Known to many as "Uncle Mel", he influenced many people of all generations in the community. He dedicated many years of his life to serving on boards, such as the Jemez Mountain Electric Co-op, Statewide Electric Co-op Association, and Rio Puerco Livestock Association. Visitations will be Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Cuba, NM, where a Rosary will follow at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. also at the church. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be Gilbert Duran, Albert Jacquez, Jim Linnane, Matt O'Hearn, Duane Archuleta, and Kevin Duran. Honorary bearers will be Louis Salazar, Leandro Padilla, Eustacio Casaus, Richard Atencio, Eustacio Chavez, Denny Herrera, Mark Martinez, Jay Snow, and Frank Vigil. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that Memorial Contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association, at www.diabetes.org, Ronald McDonald House, 1011 Yale NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, or the United Way, at www.uwcnm.org. Funeral Services are entrusted to: Alameda Mortuary 9420 4th Street NW 898-3160
|
