Ray John Martinez

Ray Martinez (79) passed away of natural causes on Tuesday, April 25th, 2023 surrounded by supporting family and friends.
Ray met and fell in love with his wife, Therese, in Santa Fe and was married in 1966.  He was most known for his caring and giving heart, but also had an expansive impact as a Master Machinist and visionary covering a range of work with the Los Alamos National labs, oil & gas, aeronautic, & semiconductor industries to specialty projects including custom work on the Frank Lloyd Wright house in Santa Fe.  He has been referred to as a "quiet genius" by many.  Ray was a proud member of the GTO club and found his community there with the like-minded individuals he lovingly called friends.  He valued his vast community of friends & family and was well known for his reserved but playful demeanor made recognizable by his characteristic smirk, a twinkle in his eye, and evidential calling cards for his antics. His was not without a story or a joke for those lucky to be with him.

He is preceded in death by his wife Therese, parents Ben & Iola, and brothers Robert & Gene.

He is survived by his children, Arlene (Rodolfo) Baca and Vince (Abbey) Martinez; grandchildren, Angelica Baca & Steph (Craig Vinciguerra) Baca, Matthew (Meredith) Martinez, Emily (John Corder) Martinez, & Luke Martinez, brother Jim Martinez, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Pallbearers in Rio Rancho are Michael Martinez, Rebecca Nava, Mark Nava, Lorenzo Nava, Rose Nava, and Vivian Austin. 

Pallbearers in Santa Fe are Kevin Forte, Charles Martinez, Michael Martinez, Phil Martinez, Richard Martinez, and Lorenzo Nava.

Honorary pallbearers: James Baca, Pete Gomez, Bill Hemsing, Gary Montoya, Harold Moya.

A viewing will be held Wednesday, May 3rd at Daniels Funeral Home at 2400 Southern Boulevard SE,  Rio Rancho from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  Funeral Services will be held on May 4th, 2023 at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Rd, Rio Rancho, NM. Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m.  Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m.  Short lunch will follow.  

He will be laid to rest at Rosario Cemetery in Santa Fe. Burial at 2 pm.