Jose Ignacio Martinez

Jose Ignacio Martinez, 88, beloved father, died peacefully on Sunday July 24th, just 4 days shy of his 89th birthday. Ignacio, as he was known, was born in Santa Cruz to Manuelita and Patricio Martinez. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Ramona Lopez Martinez. He is survived by their 5 children and their families; Elias Martinez and Olivia from Santo Niño, Cecilia Martinez from Aurora, Colorado, Emilio Martinez and wife Magda from Litteton, Colorado, Gene Martinez and wife Lorena from Sombrillo, and Patricia Martinez Strong and husband Mark from Albuquerque. He was a World War II Veteran, having served with the Army Air Corps working on aircraft in the Pacific Islands. After his military service, he retired from the State of New Mexico as a state inspector in 1987 and from Los Alamos (ZIA and LACI) as a plumber/pipefitter. He was a lifetime member, just recently achieving 65 years of membership, of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 412. Ignacio was an avid swimmer and loved getting up early to start his day with a good swim and then go relax at home, making his mañana, and working on his puzzles in the newspaper. A public visitation was held Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at Rivera Family Funeral Chapel in Espanola. A Memorial Service was held on Thursday, July 28, 2011 at the Santa Cruz United Methodist Church with interment followed at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with full Military Honors.