Ray Martinez

Ray Martinez

Died 2023

Ray Martinez, 79, passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, from natural causes, and was 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 and gas, aeronautic, and 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 and 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 and Iola; and brothers Robert and Gene.

He is survived by his children, Arlene (Rodolfo) Baca and Vince (Abbey) Martinez; grandchildren, Angelica Baca and Steph (Craig Vinciguerra) Baca, Matthew (Meredith) Martinez, Emily (John Corder) Martinez and 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 are James Baca, Pete Gomez, Bill Hemsing, Gary Montoya and Harold Moya.

A viewing was held Wednesday, May 3, at Daniels Funeral Home in Rio Rancho. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 4, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Road, Rio Rancho. The Rosary will start at 10 a.m.; Mass at 10:30 a.m. A short lunch will follow.

He will be laid to rest at 2 p.m. at Rosario Cemetery in Santa Fe.

Arrangements are being handled by Daniels Funeral Home in Rio Rancho.