Half

Obituary for MARTINEZ


Published in the Albuquerque Journal on Tuesday July 18, 2006

Severo Martinez, 90, was welcomed into the arms of our dear Lord Jesus on Sunday, July 16, 2006 surrounded by his loving family and friends. Severo was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary, and is survived by his daughters, Leonor (Norie) Martinez, Kate Martinez and companion, Jose Marquez, Rebecca Martinez; and son, Severo Vincent Martinez and wife, Amy. He had five grandchildren that he adored, David St. James, Severo William, Megan, Ashley, and Natalie Martinez. He is also survived by his brother, Conrad Rivera and wife, Eva; sister, Cordy Conley; his companion and friend, Dolores Sullivan; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rosenda Gallegos; brothers, Manuel and Pat Martinez, Antonio A Rivera II, and Mario Rivera. He was born May 7, 1916 in Chama, NM. Growing up in Chama, Taos, and El Rito, he gained a great love and appreciation for the great outdoors and the beauty of Northern New Mexico. He loved to fish in the small streams of the North and hunt dear, elk, and grouse. Severo was a proud veteran of World War II where he served with the 58th Quartermaster Battalion in Europe and in the South Pacific. He was recalled to federal service as a member of the New Mexico National Guard during the Korean Conflict. As a forward observer he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. After release from federal service Severo remained in the New Mexico National Guard until his retirement at the rank of Major. Severo was always very proud of the men he served within the National Guard and loved them dearly. Severo was employed with the Employment Security Commission (DOL) for 39 years. His faithful and dedicated service to that agency as Manager and District Supervisor assisted many New Mexico Veterans and citizens to obtain employment and helped start many careers. Severo is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a life member and charter member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Patrick Hurley Chapter. A life member of the American Legion, and the Santa Fe Elks Club #460. Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 at 7 p.m. at St. John that Baptist Catholic Church on Osage Ave. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 9 a.m. at St. John that Baptist Catholic Church on Osage Ave. Interment will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:00 p.m. Pallbearers are; Severo William Martinez, David St. James, Manual A. Martinez, Donald P. Martinez, Antonio A. Rivera III, and David James Turner. Honorary Pallbearers are Ike Alarid, Charles Yardman, Placido Borrego, Robert (Bob) Sweeney, Abe Pena, and Robert (Bobby) Cisneros. Special thanks to the caring staff at Open Hands, Egis, and Best Way Home Healthcare; his compadre, Ike Alarid, for his friendship and support; his caring and loving caregivers, Lisa Kuriata, Steve Armijo, Marissa Baca, Barbara Valencia, and Christina Armijo. God Bless them all for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Open Hands in memory of Severo Martinez. Arrangements by Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home. www.riverafuneralhome.com