Nestor J. Martinez

Nestor J. Martinez, 84, of Truchas, New Mexico went into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father on March 18, 2024.  Nestor was born on February 25, 1940 to Andreita and Mauricio Martinez in Chimayo, New Mexico.

He met Delia Sandoval in Truchas and married her in 1963.  In 2023, they celebrated 60 years of marriage.  They have four children, Eva Martinez, Dora Turrietta (married to Robert), Ernest Martinez and Denise Martinez and two grandchildren, Dr. Mia Veronica Key and Robert Turrietta Jr.

He is survived by his sister Catalina Martinez, brother-in-law, Eloy Sandoval, sisters-in-laws, Elviria Romero, Eliza Martinez, Lillian Martinez and Anita Apodaca. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Andreita and Mauricio Martinez, sisters Marianita Jaramillo, Ninfa Martinez, Lugarda Montoya, brothers, Esquipula Martinez, Mauricio Martinez, Ernesto Martinez and Richard Martinez, and special neighbors, Christopher Miniclier and Reynaldo Sandoval.    

Nestor worked for the Zia Company for ten years and then went on to work for the County of Los Alamos, which was his last employment before retirement.    His work ethic was second to none.   

He was a car enthusiast, from fixing, to painting to racing.  Known by his family as a jack of all trades as he could fix anything and shared his knowledge with others. As a child, he helped his parents tend to their garden and joined his dad to sell their goods.   As an adult, he loved to irrigate, bail hay, go for wood, plow snow and also had a special gift of wishing wells. He never met a stranger, for to him there was no such thing, only friends he had yet to meet.  He cared for his community and neighbors, lending a hand where needed.  He loved his family, greeting them with a hug and kiss and always sent them off with an “I love you”.  

Viewing will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 6:30 pm, followed by The Celebration of Life service at 7:00 pm at Devargas Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held in Truchas, New Mexico at the Truchas Baptist Church on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 11:00 am.  He will be laid to rest at the Llanitos Cemetery.  

Serving as pallbearers are Dr. Mia Veronica Key, Robert Turrietta Jr, Robert Turrietta Sr, Andy Montoya, Walter Sandoval and Johnny Sandoval.  Honorary pallbearers are Roger Martinez, Dennis Martinez, Ralph Martinez and Darryl Huggins.

The Martinez family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been so gracious with your outpouring of love, support and prayers, as we grieve the loss of our husband, dad and grandfather.

To Nestor, we say, until we meet again.