Dino Martinez

Secundino "Dino" Martinez, a gifted artist, son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, father of three children, and friend, passed away at age 38.

Dino was born on May 24,1982, to Dino & Enedina Martinez in Espanola, New Mexico. He is cherished by his parents as their only son and doted upon by his four sisters who love him fiercely. He learned to fry donuts at the age of nine and worked in the family business, making the best donuts in town at the Lovin Oven Bakery. Growing up he enjoyed T.M.N.T, Transformers, X-men, and the Simpson's. To this day he could rap Turtle Power, Deep Deep Trouble, and Vanilla Ice, Ice Ice Baby. As a child, he loved playing with his cousins on Sunday afternoons at grandma and grandpa’s, showing up in their Sunday best, only to be untucked and sweaty from fun only a few minutes later. Even as a child, his smile would light up a room and melt your heart.  He also enjoyed gymnastics, riding bikes, skateboarding, lowrider bikes and karate. He had the opportunity to meet Chuck Norris. He always hustled to buy himself the latest. He would break in skateboards for other kids and charge a fee, build lowrider bikes to sell them, and clean yards. Sell the local Rio Grande Sun newspaper and race his sisters to be the first one to finish selling all his papers. He was the coolest kid on the block, always dressed to impress. Walking to the plaza, Valdez Park, or even going to meet one of his four sisters to walk them back home, dressed like Will Smith with his boombox on his shoulder jamming to the coolest music. He also rapped The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Everybody wanted to be around him. Dino grew up and went from MC Hammer pants to Dickies, always looking good. He matched his bandana with his pants. If he wore green Dickies he had on a green bandana. Dino loved music. He listened to oldies, hip-hop, and R&B Alternative - just about all music. He loved New Mexico music, especially during Christmas when we would all come together and work at the bakery. Dino would sing all the Christmas songs on KDCE radio. Dino loved to dance, from the two step to line dancing and the moonwalk to the cupid shuffle, swing dance to Pachuco style. He had the moves and all the ladies wanted to dance with him.

Dino discovered his talent and used every opportunity to practice it. From drawing sketches to airbrushing cookies; drawing Panos and selling them; to painting walls. Dino's murals are found in many places around New Mexico, including Hobbs, Los Lunas, and three here in Espanola that can be seen cruising up Paseo de Onate, the red Cardinal in J.H.R Gymnasium where he went to school as a child, and the cardinal at the old Middle School. Dino was a true artist who never hesitated to help someone learn the craft. He always lent a helping hand, always thinking of others before himself. Dino received his Associates of Art degree from NNMCC in 2013. He was honored to be one of the main characters in the Adolfo Anaya play “Season of La Llorona” as Capitan. For a guy who disliked vaccines, he sure did not mind poking people! Dino learned the art of tattoo. Once again getting paid for something he loved. He started as an apprentice at the Dungeon Tattoo, in Santa Fe in 2008, had his own shop Unforgiven Ink and left his legacy at Pushin’ Ink in Albuquerque. He became the best tattoo artist in the whole world according to his family but most importantly to his little sister. He was an award winning artist, not just in New Mexico but, Nationwide. He traveled from California to New York; Washington State to Florida; Texas, Nevada, Colorado, and Michigan. He met many people including his idol, Bob Tyrell. Everytime he won an award he would call his little sister and tell her. She would always tell him how happy and proud she was for him because he is the best tattoo artist in the world!

He enjoyed traveling to Mexico to visit with his mother's side, hanging out with his tios and tias, and being spoiled by Abuelitas homemade food. Sitting under the tree with Grampa Pancho listening to his stories of the Rancho. He got to go to Mexico City and climb the pyramids of Teotihuacan. Made it to visit Our Lady of Guadalupe. He would surprise his grandparents in Espanola with visits to talk with grandpa and hear stories from the good old days, talk and visit with grandma, or sit quietly and hold her hand, always happy to sit down, visit, and  enjoy a good meal! Dino loved and enjoyed family time. He loved playing with his children and watching cartoons. He knew the entire script of The Lion King, his favorite Disney movie, songs and all! He enjoyed playing with his nephews and nieces, educating them and teaching them anything and everything he could show them as long as they were willing to learn. If anyone showed interest in something he knew about, he took the opportunity to teach and talk so passionately about whatever the topic was (he gets that from his Papa). He had the most patience and must get that from mamma. Having outside cookouts, fishing, paintballing and water balloon fights were the best. Dino was always a kid at heart. He enjoyed amusement parks and museums.  Two of his favorite museums he visited were the Metropolitan museum in New York City and the Salvador Dali museum in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Dino was proud and loved that he was born and raised right here in the original lowrider capital of the world. As a young boy building lowrider bikes to lowrider cars. He embraced the culture of the lowrider community and became a prominent member of the Original Veteranos, participating in Lowrider shows and contributing to raise money to help the community.

Dino was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother Maryann Martinez, maternal grandfather Francisco Delgado Escalera,Godmother Melinda Martinez, Nieces Yahaira, Emery, nephews Angel Manuel, Abrian, and Julian. He is survived by his parents Dino Martinez Sr., and Enedina Delgado Martinez. Children Taishanna. Dino III, and Niziah. Siblings Maria (Joel), Olivia (Oscar), Sara (Luis) and Miracle. Nephews and nieces (and great nephews and nieces) Yasmin (Diego), Juan Carlos, Alondra (Zaidyn), Joel Jr., Xena (Leilani)  Justin, Alonzo, Veronize, Brandon, Benita, Melinda, Jose Luis, Guadalupe, Albera, Angela, Kevin, Geronimo, Ray Ray, William, Michael, Gavino, Alyx; paternal grandfather Joe V. Martinez Sr., maternal grandmother Alejandrina Macias Garcia. Many aunts and uncles and cousins. Dino was an extremely talented artist whose art lives on the skin, walls, automobiles, motorcycles and hearts all over the country and Mexico. Dino was loved by many, a true Brother to most, and an inspiration to us all.

Serving as pallbearers are his sisters (Maria, Olivia, Sara, and Miracle), his Godfather Pedro V. Martinez, and his nephew Justin Martinez.

Saturday, August 22, 2020, 7:30pm  - Family and friends will gather for a candlelight vigil at  Dino’s mural on 500 S. Paseo de Onate. Please come share your memories. We ask that you follow state social distancing and mask wearing requirements.

Monday, August 24, 2020: Family and friends can pay their respects at DeVargas Funeral Home from 9:30 - 11am. At 11:30 we will line up in our vehicles to follow Dino’s friends as they escort him to Sacred Heart Church on his “Last Cruise”. The rosary and mass will follow at 12:30 pm at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, The rosary will be recited by los Hermanos de la Morada de Nuestro Padre Jesus, El Duende. Music during the mass will be provided by Jake Segovia. Attendance at the mass is limited due to state restrictions and will require a mask and social distancing. The rosary and mass will be broadcast live on the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish - Espanola Facebook page.

The family of Secundino "Dino" Martinez  have entrusted the care of their loved one to  DeVargas Funeral Home of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477 www.devargasfuneral.com