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MARTINEZ -- Procopio (Popo), sometimes known as Frank, a retired member of Carpenter Local Union 1319, also a City of Albuquerque government retiree, passed away on Friday December 31, 2004, at the age of 86, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in San Marcial, New Mexico, on April 13, 1918, and moved to Albuquerque in 1929, after the San Marcial Rio Grande flood. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Francisco and Lupita Martinez, one sister, Rosalie Hernandez, five brothers Crecencio (Cris), Gil, Pete, Tony, and Frank Junior. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Erma G. Martinez, "Su Reina" as he fondly called her, whom he loved very much. He is also survived by his son, Martin L. Martinez and wife Gladys, two daughters, Lydia Parras and husband Bill, Evangeline (Vangie) Montoya and husband Mike, ten grandchildren, Debbie Savedra and husband Jacob, Jason and Matthew Montoya, Rachel Garcia and husband Carlos, Melissa, Jeffrey, Jonathan, and Susan Parras, David Martinez and fiancee, Gina Hanosh and Ermarie Gabriella Pate and husband Eric, and two great-grandchildren, Kristelle Justine Parras and Andrew Jacob Savedra, all of Albuquerque. He is also survived by one sister, Lydia Romero and husband Orlando, one brother, Medardo (Mel) and wife Edwina, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, a very special brother-in-law and sister-in law, Dave and Juanita Leathers, and many other relatives by marriage, whom he had a great love for. He was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church for most of his life and worked untiredly as a volunteer for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, a Catholic charitable organization, for many years, a work he dearly loved. In 1935 and again in 1938 he enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camps for a total of 4 years. This is where he began his carpentry apprenticeship. In 1942 he joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 1319 and remained a loyal member until his death. He was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran, serving his county honorably and with great pride. He was known by family and friends as a very compassionate and caring person, who loved all people without racial or social distinction. He was "De Colores" making Curcillo #59. He was also involved in the Catholic Charismatic movement and had been a member of the St. Francis Xavier prayer group. He also attended many regional Charismatic conferences. In his younger years he was an active member of the American G.I. Forum, a veteran's family national organization, where he joined the membership in their fight for human justice and civil rights for all people. He remained an active member until his health began to fail him. He was an alumni of the CCC Camp, New Mexico Roadrunner Chapter 141, Albuquerque, New Mexico, an organization of former CCC Camp enrollees, which he enjoyed very much to be a part of. Procopio spoke about the following highlights in his life: 1. The gift from God of a wonderful wife and family. 2. The ability of being able as a professional carpenter to build homes for his children. 3. His stint in the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. 4. His U.S. Navy experience during World War II. 5. The 1995 San Marcial reunion in Socorro, New Mexico, commemorating 66 years after the Rio Grande Flood, which destroyed completely the beautiful town of San Marcial. This was for Procopio a very joyous reunion, when friendships were renewed and many happy memories were shared by all. 6. The privilege of being a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 1319. 7. The spiritual moments that he spent praising Jesus Christ, His Lord and Savior, together with his brothers and sisters of the St. Francis Xavier prayer group, as well as other catholic charismatic prayer groups. Should family and friends desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Francis Xavier Conference, 817 Arno SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87102, or to their favorite charitable organization. The Rosary will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at St Francis Xavier Parish, 820 Broadway SE. The Mass of the Resurrection will take place on Wednesday, January 5, 2005 at 10:00 a.m., also at St. Francis Xavier Parish. The burial of his cremains will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.
        Published on: Tue January 04, 2005