Larry A. Martinez

Larry Anthony Martinez, age 69, of Ranchitos, New Mexico, was welcomed by our Heavenly Father on September 8th, 2023.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary E. Martinez; his father, Roman Martinez; his brother, Billy L. Martinez; and his brother Joseph F. Martinez. Larry was born on August 8, 1954, in Embudo, NM.

He is survived by his partner of 49 years Cecilia (Maestas) Martinez, and his daughter Olivia L. Martinez. He is also survived by his sisters Romie Crespin and Berlinda Ortiz, and brothers Max and Pablo Martinez, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Larry was raised in Velarde and attended Espanola Valley High School (Hornets). He met the girl of his dreams, Cecilia Maestas while cruising in Espanola. In 1982 Larry and Cecilia married, a few years passed, and his life was forever changed with the birth of his daughter. Her birth filled him with an immense amount of joy and pride which motivated him to provide for his family. Then, at the age of 31, Larry suffered a devastating loss with the death of his mother. In realizing he had a family to sustain, he then began working for Rio Arriba County as a tandem truck driver, shortly thereafter as a security guard for Mason and Hanger, then Protection Technology Los Alamos as a SWAT team member at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Larry was known for his precise skills and was recognized with special commendations for the SWAT Shooting Team. With his little family of 3, he settled on Calle Rivera and he further developed his lifelong passion for fast/classic cars. He started his business “Larry’s Classics” while he was employed as a security guard. Shortly thereafter his father began suffering from Alzheimer's disease, he juggled his schedule to help his ailing father as he recruited other family members to help him.

When he retired in 2011 after a distinguished 27-year career in security, he focused on buying, selling and fixing cars. He was a mechanical genius, oftentimes making a motor vehicle from the ground up. He made permanent bonds and friendships with every person throughout his life. He mentored many with jobs, instruction in mechanics, muffler installs, also paint and body. Most importantly imparting his take on life. He was passionate about fitness and worked out every day and on weekends he would cycle to Santa Fe and back. At the end of the day, Larry was always focused on his family. He had a heart of gold that touched every person he met. He was an exemplary husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He was a man of pride and integrity. He was the quintessential man of myth and legend. We were blessed beyond measure to have him in our lives.

A Public Viewing will be held on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 6:30 pm at DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM, in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel.  A Rosary will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 10:00 am at Santa Cruz de la Canada Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, NM, with a Mass to follow at 11:00 am.  Burial will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in El Llano, NM.

Pallbearers will be his nephews: Brian Crespin, Dale Ortiz, Rey Ortiz, and Elias Salazar. His 2nd generation friend Xavier Garcia II. His colleague and racing partner David Miranda.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Michael Lopez, Manuel Lopez, H.G. Biddy, Xavier Garcia I, Randy Lovato, Robert Rivera, Isauro Madrid Jr., Joey Maestas, Corey Berigan, James Berigan, Patrick Naranjo, Gregory Naranjo, Ben Maestas Jr., Marco Maestas, Max Martinez, Roman Martinez, Rodney Martinez. As well as numerous nieces, cousins and forever friends

The family of Larry Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.   www.devargasfunral.com    505-747-7477