Daniel F. Martinez, 78, passed away on Monday, December 21, 2020 at Christus St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, NM. At 12:20 PM. Daniel Martinez was born in El Alto, New Mexico (Mora County) on August 6, 1942 to Benjamin and Maclovia Martinez.

Preceding him in death; his daughter: Jennifer, his parents: Benjamin and Maclovia, sister: Margaret, brothers: George, Alfonso and Samuel, nephews: Rudy, Pete, Mark and Dean, niece, Patricia and her infant daughter great niece Shirley, another great niece Rebecca and three great nephews; Joseph, John-John and Kevin.

He was the ninth in a family of twelve children. He is survived by his 2 daughters: Doreen Esparza - Grants, NM and Mary Lou Martinez - Santa Fe, granddaughters; Erica Martinez - Reno, NV, and Amanda Rudolph - Santa Fe, NM. He is also survived by his 5 sisters and 2 brothers in chronological order: sister Rose Marsh - San Antonio, TX, sister Ernestine Garcia - Cheyenne, WYO, sister Jane Espinoza - Cheyenne, WYO, brother Benjamin David - Cheyenne, WYO, brother Margarito - Bradenton, FL, sister Gloria Cassidy - Milan, NM and Frances Goodrich - San Diego, CA, 39 nieces and nephews and his best friend and neighbor Oliver Martinez - El Alto, NM.

Daniel acquired many friends in his lifetime and one friendship lasting over 70 years was with his friend and neighbor Oliver Martinez of El Alto, a particularly good man. Daniel graduated from Mora High and obtained his Associates Degree in Electronics. He was known to enjoy running circles around anyone when it came to electronics and loved it when people easily grasped the subject matter. Because of his no holds barred communication style, he left a lasting impression and yet, apologized when he felt it was indicated.

In his earlier years as a martial arts student, he was known for throwing a good punch in self-defense. He possessed artistic talent, had a good sense of humor, shared jokes continually as a self-styled like comedian and enjoyed the laughter of those around him. Known to say "I'm just bulljieving with you" or "don't bulljieve me." Niece Marcia recalls him loving the song La Puerta Negra

along with siblings recalling him saying "listen, listen to this song!" Playing the guitar and singing along with Freddy Fender songs are some of his daughter Mary Lou's recollections. Daughter Doreen recalls him being meticulous with his hair, always carrying a comb in his pocket and of course all his siblings agree! Past times included watching war movies, going out for breakfast with friends in Mora and tipping well for good service. When physically able, family appreciated him taking time to clean family burial plots in Mora and especially that of our beloved mother. In her honor, he also attended St. Gertrude's Church just like mom did throughout her life.

When it came to his health, he took pride in being well educated to better understand his medical challenges. This included the details and responsibilities of being a kidney transplant recipient for many years and addressing the multiple uncertainties of skin cancer. He was a senior health advocate in many ways. He was grateful to niece Marcia for confronting one challenge after the next with him. Together, they handled it one day at a time. He acknowledged her for being at his side so compassionately during the trying journey he had prior to his death. Family considered her to be his angel on earth and had it not been for restrictions surrounding the current and brutal Covid-19 pandemic, she would have chosen to sit at his side as often as permitted. Niece Christina and his friends Oliver and Benji are also acknowledged for helping Daniel along the way. His daughters Doreen, Mary Lou and granddaughters Erica and Amanda remember him as a loving and caring father and grandfather. He will also forever be remembered as a beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. And certainly, a strong willed man. Daniel loved the Lord and was blessed to have received his last rites.

Below is a phrase found at Dan's home on a card in his own handwriting.

When Our Father in Heaven announces, "It's time to go", the Lord will extend his hand and without hesitation, I, HIS son, will reach out and wrap my hand around my Lords fingers, and wherever the journey may lead, I will trust in the guidance of my Lord and I will follow with confidence. My grip will remain unbroken for I will always have faith in my Lord.

Due to restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, family and friends in attendance were asked to: cooperate with posted regulations/protocol; only 5 people were allowed at one time during the viewing, and everyone's temperature was taken before entering the premises and sanitizer was provided to all visitors.

t In person viewing was held on Monday, December 28, 2020 at Rogers Mortuary 600 Reynolds Ave Las Vegas, NM 87701 from 10:00-4:00PM

t Virtual viewing, rosary, mass and internment/burial was provided via ZOOM and was hosted by Daniels niece Julie Goodrich from San Diego, California for those unable to attend in person. This was provided on both December 28-29, 2020

t Mass was at St. Gertrudes Catholic Church in Mora, NM with Father Paul Grala, S.O.L.T. as celebrant.

Attendance was limited due to current pandemic protocols in place

t Internment/Burial took place at The Mora Cemetery in Mora, NM with pallbearers being Doreen Esparza, Marcia Martinez, David Cassidy, Christina Thomas, Arthur Barela, Dino Fenton and Jim Martinez

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