Jose "Joey" Martinez, age 70, was called home by our Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Christus St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico after a brief illness.

He was born December 22, 1954 in Las Vegas, New Mexico to Joe S. Martinez and Mary Jacquez Martinez.

He was employed as a firefighter through the Forestry Department, a security guard at Luna Community College before retiring from the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute in September 2016 as a Psychiatric Tech at the Forensic Unit.

He enjoyed being outdoors fishing and hunting with his close friends. He enjoyed watching the outdoor channel as well as different sports. He was an avid Las Vegas Raiders fan.

A lifelong Catholic, he was a member of Immaculate Conception Church and Our Lady of Sorrows Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Joe S. Martinez and Mary J. Martinez, God daughter, niece Jill Alderete, and niece Brandy Leger, many aunts and uncles and cousins as well as his good friend Francisco Sandoval.

He is survived by his daughter Carmela Esquibel (Justin), grandchildren Ariana Martinez and Michael Esquibel. Brothers Leo Martinez and Daniel Martinez (Rhonda), sisters Theresa Gonzales, Gloria Alderete (George) and Lorraine Martinez. Aunt Sofia and Uncle Ramon Baros. Nieces and nephews Tracy Gonzales-Montoya (Leo), Stacy Nuanez (Myron), Carolyn Gonzales-Sanchez (John), Kenneth Alderete (Annette), Michael Crespin (Rose Marie), and Nathan Dominguez, and several great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many friends as well as a special friend Susan Montoya.

Rosary devotional services will be conducted Friday, August 29th at Our Lady of Sorrows Church at 9:00 a.m., followed by the mass. Interment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery with the following serving as casket bearers: Ted Esquibel, Leo Montoya, Kenneth Alderete, Michael Crespin, Rick Garduno, and Myron Peterson. Serving as honorary bearers will be his great nephews: Dominic Nuanez, Carlos Gonzales, Johnnie Sanchez, Joshua Nuanez, Patrick Crespin (Godson), and Joseph Encinias.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.

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