Richard S. Martinez

Richard S. Martinez, 92, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend was called to his eternal resting place on January 4, 2018.

Richard was born on December 18, 1925 in Denver, CO to Lorraine and Prudencio Martinez. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Clara Martinez; siblings, Paul Martinez (wife, Betty), Joann Manley, and Helen Martinez (husband, Bennie); sons, Richard Martinez, and Danny Martinez (wife, Renee); grandchildren, Stephen Martinez (wife, Ibeth), Andres Martinez (wife, Riann), Rebecca Lopez (husband, Joseph Lopez), Meghan Martinez (husband, Colbran Starzynski), and Ryan Martinez; 12 great-grandchildren, Dante, Jonah, Demetrio, Sophia, Nathan, Damian, Manuel, Delilah, Lori, Nina, Alexander, baby boy Starzynski; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Jewell Upson and Mildred; and his brothers, Nick and Gene.

Richard grew up in Las Vegas, NM. In the early 1940’s the Martinez family moved to Albuquerque. At the age of 17, in 1942, Richard joined the U.S. Navy. Richard served as a communications technician in the South Pacific on the U.S.S. Mount Olympus and other vessels. Richard was in Tokyo Bay at the time of surrender by the Japanese, ending WWII. Richard left the service in 1946 with an honorable discharge at the rank of second class petty officer in Radio Communications. He remained in the naval Reserve. Richard was recalled to active duty in the navy in 1951 for the Korean Conflict. He was stationed on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu at the naval Radio Station at Wahawa. Clara and the boys joined him there.

After his honorable service to his country, Richard and family moved back to Albuquerque. Richard acquired his general equivalency diploma (GED), and began a long career of running the Martineztown neighborhood grocery store, Manuel's Food Market. Richard was a pillar in the community, active in local politics, and served on many boards and committees to improve the livelihood of many citizens. In the early 1970's, Richard was one of the leaders in the cause to oppose the federal government condemnation of south Martineztown. This effort resulted in the beautiful neighborhood that now exists.

Richard had a love for wood carving, restoring classic cars, telling jokes, and enjoying his family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, 11:00 a.m., at FRENCH - University. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Roadrunner Food Bank, 5840 Office Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 or the Veterans’ Integration Center, 13032 Central Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123.