Jose E. "Joe" Martinez Jr.

Jose E. "Joe" Martinez, Jr. was born on March 6, 1946, to Jose E. Martinez and his wife, Esther Bazan Martinez. Joe grew up in Albuquerque and faithfully attended the same church for over 70 years. He graduated from Sandia High School in 1964 and went on to attend UNM, graduating with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 1968. He attended Stanford and UNM for graduate studies, receiving a master's degree from UNM in 1971. Joe met the love of his life, Carol, at his church and was married for 44 years. He worked at Sandia Labs for over 40 years and had many colleagues and friends there. He began his career in vibration testing, then moved to Facilities where he retired in 2008 as a level 2 Manager.

Joe was an avid Lobo and Cowboys fan, enjoyed a good McDonald's hamburger and Bluebell ice cream, and had a special connection and love for dogs, especially our dog Miracle. With his beautiful tenor singing voice, he loved to spontaneously burst into worship songs and tenderly sing his daughters and grandsons to sleep.

Joe has been a man of integrity and faith, full of patience, kindness, compassion, and the love of Jesus Christ. He was a protector, a man who unselfishly provided help to anyone who needed it. He has been a loving and faithful man of God, who was dedicated to his family, friends, church, and most of all, his Lord and Savior.

At age 75, Joe was welcomed home by the Lord Jesus on Monday, Dec. 27, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Carol Hanson Martinez; his daughters, Nikki Martinez Cruz and Kelly Martinez; his son-in-law, Dennis Cruz; and his grandsons, Christian and Gabriel Cruz; his brother David Martinez and family; his sister Kathy Sanchez and family; his brother Paul Martinez and family; his stepmother Esther Ann Martinez, and many extended family members. He was the oldest male of 56 first cousins, who all had great respect for him and knew him affectionately as "Zuky." On both sides of the family, he came from a long legacy of faith and service to the Lord.

Joe is deeply loved and will be dearly missed by all. He was a good and faithful servant.

A viewing will be held on Friday, Jan. 7th from 10:30am-12pm at FRENCH-Wyoming, 7121 Wyoming Blvd NE. Masks required.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Citizen Church, 10500 Copper Ave. NE on Saturday, Jan. 8 at 2pm.

Should you wish to send flowers to the services, please consider a plant so that the Martinez family can care for it, in memory of Jose. In consideration of family members who are allergic to some flowers, please ask the florist not to use roses, spider fern or eucalyptus.