Robert J. Martinez

Martinez, Robert J. Age 76, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend died on Friday, May 16, 2014 after a 3 year battle with prostate cancer. He was born in San Acacio, CO on February 17, 1938, to Tobias and Rebecca Valdez Martinez. Robert was raised in La Jara, CO in the beautiful San Luis Valley surrounded by loving Valdez and Martinez relatives. Growing up on a farm, he learned the value of hard work and the simple things in life: swimming holes, a pick-up basketball game, and a good potato fight when all else failed. He attended Adams State College where he received a B.S. in Biology and a Masters in Counseling. In between the two, he was drafted and served in the U.S. Army stationed in Seattle, WA. Having endured his share of cold weather, he moved to Socorro, NM - a special community he would call home until the end of his life. It was here that he met his wife, Alice, and raised his four children. He was a great Dad - reading to his children every day before school, spending his summers camping with them and remained the first person they called when they needed advice. A dedicated educator, Robert worked as a guidance counselor for 41 years where he embraced the opportunity to influence the lives and character of the thousands of students that matriculated under his watch. He believed in the importance of education and always ensured that academic excellence was recognized and celebrated. He was an avid tennis player and could be seen on the courts most afternoons, often accompanied by one of his faithful dogs. He was a devout Catholic, a life-long Democrat, a lover of animals, and a voracious reader. With a joy for life, he was a man with a great sense of humor and always extended compassion, kindness and respect to everyone he met. Robert was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Alice Chavez Martinez; his children, Patrick, Elaine, Steven, and Roger (Jeanette); his grandchildren, Sienna, Garrett, Roman and Gemma; his brother, Arthur (Luisa) Martinez; and his sister, Rosina Lucero. He was the calm in our storm and will be greatly missed. A Rosary to be recited on Tuesday, May 20, 2014, at 7:00 pm at San Miguel Catholic Church, 403 El Camino Real , Socorro. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at 8:45 am at San Miguel Catholic Church. Celebrant is Father Andrew Pavlak. Inurnment will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Barbara Martinez, Rodney Lucero, Mary Ellen Chavez, Larry Padilla. Honorary pallbearers are Eddie Baca, Ted Kase, Rose Marie Martinez, Tom Kieft, Virgil Valdez, Arthur Cordova, Joseph Valdez, and Gene Martinez. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Robert's care has been entrusted to Daniels Family Funeral Services 309 Garfield St Socorro, NM 87801 575-835-1530