Joseph J. Martinez

Joseph J. Martinez, 96 years of age, passed away peacefully in his daughter Laurie's arms on January 20th, 2018. He was proceeded in death by his wife Frances Mascarell de Martinez (1998) and his son Mark Lawrence Martinez (2013). Joe J. was a beloved husband and father, he is survived by his daughter Laurie and her wife Sonya; sons Orion and Dennis; and daughter Lucille. Joe was born to Jilio (d:1948) and Deloritas Martinez (d:1946), north of Taos, in Arroyo Seco, NM on August 27th, 1921. He adored his mother and father and always told the most wonderful stories of his parents, he loved no other more than his mother and father until he met the love of his life in the early 1940’s, Frances Mascarell. They married July 1942, and went on to have 5 children. Joe had an immense love for Santa Fe and northern New Mexico. Joe loved his culture, in his younger years he was involved with the Caballeros Devargas and many fiesta activities. As he grew older his love for his rich culture did not waiver, he loved attending the many fiestas and celebrations throughout northern New Mexico, one in particular that he spoke of often, San Geronimo in Taos. Joe and Frances were incredible dancers and rarely missed the opportunity to attend a celebration. Joe was a life long parishioner of The Cathedral Basilica in downtown Santa Fe, he and Frances rarely missed Sunday 12:00 PM mass throughout their 55 years of marriage. Joe was a historian and incredibly well versed on events old and new. The stories Joe told of Santa Fe and all its many changes throughout his years of life experiences were incredibly interesting. Joe’s career in life insurance helped many, many Northern New Mexico families. Joe was an accomplished billiard player, and like his father had a love for gambling. Joe's “story” the last 3 years of his life touched many lives, many came to know and love this sweet, loving 96 year old man due to him being taken from Santa Fe, February 2015, on the “guise” of a “two week” vacation, that “two week” vacation turned in to 33 long months. Joe endured isolation and nursing home abuse, he was kept from his beloved, native New Mexico, his life long friends and his youngest daughter, Laurie. After a long and tenacious court battle, October 2017, his youngest child, Laurie was awarded “Court Appointed Permanent Guardianship” in order to return her father to his beloved New Mexico. Joe and Laurie arrived in New Mexico on November 18, 2017, via air ambulance. Joe was making great progress until a setback in his health landed him in the hospital mid December 2017. Jose Urjilio Martinez; aka Joseph J. Martinez; aka Joe J. Martinez will be missed by many, however no one will ever miss him as much as his baby girl, Laurie. Daddy, I am so very sorry I was not able to get you home a year ago, two years ago, or for that matter three years ago when you were healthy and could do all the fun things we wanted to do together, Taos trips; San Geronimo; Spain; Tomasitas; and so much more. Because of your isolation you missed my wedding, I am so incredibly sorry, Sonya and I wanted you with us that beautiful day, December 12, 2015. My daily prayer for you, you and Mom and your parents are all together, reunited as it has been so long since you have been absent from those 3, that you are also with Mark, that is my prayer for you Daddy. Daddy I love and miss you more than words can ever express………Dance with the Angels Daddy………….until we meet again. I love you. Laurie