Diego Martinez

Diego Martinez, age 76, passed away peacefully into the fullness of God’s eternal love on September 9, 2022, surrounded by his loving family praying the rosary over him. He was ready to go home when the Good Lord called him.

Born on October 18, 1945 in Chula Vista, California, Diego is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Christine Pacheco Martinez, whom he adored; his loving children, son Louis J. Martinez and daughter Jolene E. Gonzales and husband Jude P. Gonzales; and grandchildren Xavier J. Visage and Jessica A. Gonzales, whom he cherished and loved dearly. He was extremely proud of all their accomplishments.

Diego is the son of the late Louis G. Martinez and Ramona P. Martinez. He was preceded in death by his brothers Joe, Sixto, Arthur and Jesse.  He is survived by brothers Irenio, and wife Orlinda, Louis and wife Helen, and sisters Genara Cunningham and late husband Homer, Mary Dillon and husband Dave, Fermie Lujan and husband Rudy, and Mary Jane (Gina) C’de Baca, and husband Oliver. He is also survived by numerous and loving relatives, life-long friends and customers.  Diego attended St. Anne Catholic School in Santa Fe, St. Michael’s High School and graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1964.  He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1964-1968 and is a proud Vietnam Veteran.  After his military service, he remained in California and attended San Diego City College and South Bay Trade School.  He returned to Santa Fe in 1970 where he established his own plumbing and heating businesses and remained in business for over 50 years.  Diego was a member of St. Anne Catholic Parish and served as a Santa Fe City Councilor from 1982-1986 and was involved in various organizations throughout his life. Diego’s life was centered on his faith, family and friends. Diego will always be remembered for his generosity, loving heart, genuine smile, sharing a meal with others, his most beautiful roses and garden and his expertise in plumbing and heating. He always took time to visit family and friends and treat others to delicious meals at his plumbing shops or at one of his many favorite restaurants.  Diego dearly loved and was dearly loved by his family and friends and always enjoyed life to the fullest. He struggled with health issues through the years but his smile, generous love and caring heart always shined through. He was a special person and a respected plumber and cherished by so many.

Visitation will begin on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church, 511 Alicia St. Santa Fe, where a rosary will be recited at 4:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 26, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church. Internment will begin promptly at 1:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Pallbearers are his son-in-law Jude P. Gonzales, nephews Stephen Cunningham and Fr. Vincent Dominguez, brother-in-law Dave Dillon, and special friends Joe H. Trujillo and Baylor Trapnell.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rivera Family Funeral & Cremations of Santa Fe.