Abelardo Martinez

ABELARDO MARTINEZ, 88, a resident of Ojo Caliente passed into eternal life on Monday, May 14, 2018.  Abelardo was born on September 3, 1929 to Simon and Florencia Martinez in Cañones. In his early years, Mr. Martinez lived in Southern California for about 10 years where he worked for Lockheed Aircraft and in construction. He moved back to Española where he had the opportunity to open and operate his own business for over 22 years, the Fina Gas Station and Martinez Auto Parts on Onate Street.  After retiring from his business, he went on to work for Jemez Electric Co-op and retired after 12 years of service, and then moved back to Ojo Caliente to relax, enjoy his ranch and to be near family. Mr. Martinez served in the US Army and was a member of the American Legion. He was an active member of the community throughout the many years in Española; he proudly served as a Rio Arriba County Commissioner, Española City Counselor, a member of the Española School Board and the Taos & Rio Arriba Head start program. He lived a wonderful life, traveling, serving the community, being outdoors and sharing his love of fishing with his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Anita; son, Joseph; daughters, Melba and Vicky; daughter-in-law, Kathy and granddaughter, Victoria; parents, Simon and Florencia, in-laws, Jose and Teofila Martinez; brothers Joe, Tony, Tomas and Jerry Martinez; sisters, Ferminia Quintana, Irene Valdez and Mabel Porter. Mr. Martinez is survived by his brother, Sammy (Elda); sisters, Sara and Rose (Dave); sons, Steve (Darlene) of Española, Wayne of Arizona, Jimmy of Ojo Caliente; son-in-law, Patrick of Arizona and daughter Linda of Española; grandchildren, Jason (Brooke), Juan (Jolene), Jared, Joel, Joshua (Nina), Scott (Courtney), Shannon, Jessica and David; great-grandchildren, Jared Jr., Alexia, Julian, Izekial, Justin, Mia, Sophie Mae, Landon, Diego, Dominic and Jadin and numerous other relatives and friends. He was a loving dad, son, brother, uncle, friend, grandpa and great-grandpa. You will be missed; we will always carry your memory in our hearts. Public visitation will begin on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home with a rosary to be recited at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated on Friday, May 18, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ojo Caliente. Burial to follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Ojo Caliente with his grandchildren serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be his great-grandchildren. The family of Abelardo Martinez has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.