Paul Martinez

PAUL H. MARTINEZ, a resident of Upper San Pedro, was called to his Eternal Home on Monday, August 20, 2018.  Paul was preceded in death by his baby daughter Lori, parents Juan E. and Anita M. Martinez, in-laws Benceslado and Trinidad Lopez, and sister and brother-in-law Susie and Sixto Martinez. Paul is survived by “his Honey” of 47 years Yvonne, daughters Elizabeth and fiancé Robert Griego and Camille and husband Waylon Maestas and cherished grandchildren Christopher and Michael Maestas. Paul is also survived by his siblings Roger, David, Kathy and husband Tito Bustos, and Theresa, brother-in-law Joe and wife Barbara Lopez. Also, many beloved nephews, nieces, relatives and friends and last but not least, his beloved dog Rascal.

Paul was born on April 8, 1949 in Embudo, NM and was raised in Alcalde.  He attended school at San Juan Parochial School, Espanola High School, New Mexico Highlands University and the University of New Mexico. Upon college graduation, Paul became an employee of the Los Alamos National Laboratory where he worked for 40 years in the electrical engineering field. He retired in 2008 with thousands of hours of unused sick leave – proof that Paul was extremely proud to work at LANL and was a dedicated worker.

Paul’s passion was music.  He was an accomplished guitar player and was a member of several bands including The Grass, Sombra, Los Maravillosos, Suavecito and Jet Black, to name a few.  Paul was also a singer and songwriter and in 2009 released a solo CD, “Sentimental Journey”.  Currently, Paul was working on another CD to include several original rock and roll compositions.

Paul was a very hard worker at home as well.  He and Yvonne purchased an older home during their early years of marriage and Paul renovated it by himself. Paul would seek out work projects and had just completed “Dad’s little room”.  He was very proud of his peach trees and offered some to anyone that stopped by. Paul was an avid Denver Broncos fan and was usually seen wearing some sort of Broncos apparel. Paul was a devout Catholic and had deep devotion to St. Joseph and the Divine Mercy. Paul did not know a stranger; he sparked up conversations with anyone that crossed his path. He made it a point to seek out service men and women to thank them for their service to our country. He was known for his talkative and joking manner.

Public visitation will begin at 4pm on Sunday, August 26th at DeVargas Funeral Home with a Rosary to our Blessed Mother to be prayed at 5pm. Funeral mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Monday, August 27th at 11am at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz de la Canada. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Serving as pallbearers will be fellow musicians, Israel Maestas, Benny Fresquez, Darel Madrid and Roger Lujan and Godsons, Joseph Bustos and Edward Lopez.  Named as Honorary Pallbearers are Eddie Alarid, Paul Fernandez and Richard Romero. The family of Paul H. Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home of the Espanola Valley. (505)747-7477