Martinez, Jose A
Jose Alcario Martinez, age 93, passed away December 17, 2016 at the home of his nephew Gilbert Ulibarrí surrounded by his loving family members Gilbert, Shirley, Reyna and Francesca, who provided around-the-clock care for him during his final illness.
Alcario, to his many friends and family members was born on July 16, 1923 in La Pintada, New Mexico, the 7th of 9 children born to the home of Alcario and Faustína Martinez. He was preceded in death by his wife, Stella; parents, Alcario and Faustina Martinez; brothers and sisters Jose Leon, Savinita Gonzales, Rogaciana Martinez, Frances Campos, Napoleon Martinez, and Faustin Martinez.
He joined the Army in 1943 and served as an anti-aircraft gunner during WWII in the Pacific Theatre. He participated in several battles against the Japanese and was serving in the Philippine Islands when the war ended.
Following the war he attended New Mexico A&M, now New Mexico State University using his GI bill to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He would continue to advance his education and obtained his Master’s Degree in Education from New Mexico Highlands University. Over the years he also completed course work at the University of New Mexico and Eastern New Mexico University.
He had a long career in education with the Santa Rosa Consolidated Schools that spanned four decades where he served as a teacher, counselor, high school principal, and school superintendent. He retired in 1984.
Also involved politics, Mr. Martínez served on the Santa Rosa City Council and as the Mayor of Santa Rosa, NM.
Alcario also spent many years as a rancher raising cattle with his family at his ranch in La Pintada, NM. He enjoyed spending time at his ranch, at one time operating a ranch with 400 head of cattle. He often shared fond memories of gathering with friends to brand cattle or loading cattle to take them to auction.
In 1956 Alcario married the love of his life, Stella Ulibarri. They had many happy years together until her death in January 2014 and he often said how much he missed her. He was a devoted husband and spent many hours daily at the nursing home during her illness. Following her death he continued to visit the cemetery where she is buried twice a day to visit with his Stella.
His brother Porfirio Rudy Martinez, his sister Amelia Wallace his sister-in-law, Magdalena Romero, brother-in-law, Eloy Ulibarri, and sister-in-law Patsy Ulibarri survive him. Nephews Gilbert Campos, Eddie Campos, Joey Campos, Arthur Campos, and Pat Martinez also survive him. Also surviving Mr. Martinez is his nephew Gilbert Ulibarri who was like a son to Alcario and spent many hours helping care for his uncle. Gilbert’s wife Shirley Ulibarri and daughters Reyna Ulibarri-Griego, and Francesca Ulibarri-Ortiz are also surviving family members.
Rosary services will be held on Wednesday, December 21, at 10:00 AM at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa, NM with Mass of Christian Burial to follow with Father Sotero A. Sena officiating.
Serving as Pallbearers will be Tim Campos, Manuel Martinez, Andre Martinez, Catarino Romo, Javier Urban, Paul Griego, Phillip Romero, and Tony Ulibarri. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Dan Flores, Blas Hohne, Laute Lucero, Larry Nelson, Eddie Cordova, and Vince Cordova.
All services for Mr. Martinez have been entrusted to Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa, NM. To place and online condolence please visit our website at www.chavezfuneralhome.com.