Martinez, William H.
William H. Martinez, 83, a beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend and a longtime resident of Albuquerque passed away peacefully on September 13th, 2017 at home with his family at his bedside and now at peace with his wife Erma L Martinez in heaven. William was born on June 22, 1934 in Costilla, NM and moved to Albuquerque in 1954.
William is survived by his daughter, Kathy Martinez, Deacon Leonard Martinez (Stephanie), Ruben Martinez, Mark Martinez of Albuquerque and Edward Martinez-Leslie of Fort Worth TX. Grandchildren, Mari-Carmen (John) Bueschel, Elena (Josh) Wright, William-John Martinez, Richard Marquez (Vanessa), Disiree Montoya, Roger (Krystal) Martinez, Matthew Martinez and Andrew Martinez (Viki) and 10 GreatGrandchildren. Two siblings Lillian Arellano of Los Lunas NM and Jessie Martinez of Albuquerque. Sister/Brother-in-law, Dan Medrano of Albuquerque, Judy Ortega of Stockton CA, Priscilla Rodriguez of Albuquerque, Jimmy Lovato (Jean), and Geraldine Sotelo of Denver, CO and Casilda Lovato of Costilla, NM. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Erma L Martinez, his daughter Annie Martinez-Marquez, son William Martinez, son-in-law Robert Leslie, parents Abel and Anne Martinez, and in-laws Dee and Elosia Lovato. Brothers Abel Martinez, Larry Martinez, and Roger Archuleta, Sisters Mary Arellano and Romaine Medrano. Sisters/Brother-in-laws, Ada Valdez, Odila Lovato, Theresa (Rudy) Gonzales, Elicio (Margaret) Lovato, Dee Lovato, Toby (Erlinda)Lovato, Jake Ortega, Del Rodriguez, and Cruz Sotelo.
William enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952 and served during the Korean War and in 1954 married his childhood sweetheart Erma and soon moved to Albuquerque were he went to school and worked at the VA Hospital perused a career in Occupational Therapy and raised his family. William demonstrated devotion to his family by his example of hard work and sacrifice on their behalf and kindness and generosity were not limit- ed to his family but was always there for his friends in times of need. William and Erma were very active and devoted Catholics and were very involved in the Catholic Church. When he retired, he spent his time doting on his wife and family, always involved in projects in his garage and was always visiting his friends. The love of his life were his grandchildren. He leaves a legacy of faith, generosity and service to others.
Rosary will be held on Sunday September 17th at 3 PM and funeral on Monday September 18t at 9 AM both at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church Catholic Church, 9502 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, William-John Martinez, Richard Marquez, Roger Martinez, Mathew Martinez, Andrew Martinez, Santiago Bueschel, Noah Bueschel, Isaac Bueschel and Estaban Wright. William requested no flowers and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Saint Joseph’s building fund, 5901 St Joseph’s Ave NW, Alb, NM 87120, 505-839-7952. The wishes of both William and Erma was to wear bright colors to his celebration and be happy.