Jose Macario Martinez

José Macario Martinez, 93 years young, of Rociada, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at Granite Rehabilitation & Wellness in Cheyenne, Wyoming on December 26, 2025, holding hands with his daughter Pamela and niece Sandra as he began his journey to meet our Lord Jesus in Heaven. He was born on September 22, 1932, to Juan Rafael and Senorina Maria Martinez at the family home in Rociada, New Mexico. José, also known as “Joe” to many and “Uncle Joe” to most of his nieces and nephews, was a kind man who welcomed everyone into his life with open arms and unconditional love. He could keep a person listening to him in awe with the amazing wealth of stories of past history and memories of his younger years.

José received his elementary and intermediate schooling in Rociada, New Mexico. He moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1947 shortly before his 15th birthday. He graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1951. He had a strong work ethic at a very young age. His first job was delivering newspapers for the Wyoming Tribune Eagle and he shared memorable stories like getting up at 4 a.m. to start his paper route; then, going to school. He saved enough money to buy a bike for $17.00 from Montgomery Ward to make his job a little easier! José was very proud to have served in the Wyoming Air National Guard with the 153rd USAF Infirmary Squadron and in the United States Air Force Reserve with the 43rd Casualty Staging Squadron as a medic during the Korean War and receiving an honorable discharge as a Staff Sargeant which prompted many who knew him to affectionately address him as “Sarge”. Upon returning from his military duty, he began his career with the Cheyenne Veterans Administration Hospital in the medical field and retired from the Albuquerque Veterans Administration Hospital as an Licensed Practical Nurse after thirty-one years of loyal service. After retirement he and his beloved wife, Catalina, moved to Rociada, N.M. where they enjoyed the beauty of the Northern New Mexico mountains and country living. Together, they were very involved with their church, San José Mission in Rociada, N.M., were members of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Las Vegas, N.M. and were part of the Cursillo Movement. They also attended St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church in Mora, N.M.

He is survived by his daughters, Pamela Martinez Trujillo (Palmer) and Belén Samora (Kent); his siblings Teofilo “Ted” Martinez (Mary), Henrietta Martinez, and Emma Esquibel (Ted); his sister-in-law, Vangie Martinez; his brother-in-law, Gabriel Cardenas; his daughter-in-law, Christine Martinez; his grandchildren: Josh Martinez (Maria), Jaylin Martinez (Melissa), Isaiah Martinez, Christina Cooley (Brian), Salvino Trujillo (Lupita), Tiffany Flores (John), Roxanne Martinez (Nathan Sr.), and Amanda Sandoval (Lyle); 13 great-grandchildren and one on the way; 9 great-great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

José was preceded in death by his parents Juan and Senorina Martinez; his siblings: Luís, Petra and Louis Martinez; his beloved wife of 36 years, Catalina; his three sons: Joe Mike Martinez, Tomás Martinez, and Juan Manuel Martinez; as well as Rosalina Samora Reza and Pedro “Pete” Samora Jr.; a brother-in-law Moises Herrera, and a sister-in-law Gloria Sandoval Martinez and many other extended family.

Pallbearers are Josh Martinez, Jaylin Martinez, Isaiah Martinez, Nathan Martinez Sr., Nathan Martinez Jr., and Sevastian Bustamante. Honorary pallbearers will be Louis Martinez Jr. and Anthony Martinez.

Viewing & Holy Rosary in Cheyenne, Wyoming

Monday, December 29, 2025, 4 – 4:45 p.m., Wiederspahn Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes

New Mexico Service Details

Visitation

Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 2:00 p.m. – 4 p.m., Gonzales Funeral Home – St. Francis Chapel

Holy Rosary & Mass of Christian Burial

Thursday, January 8, 2026, 9:00 a.m., Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church

Interment Details

Following the Funeral Mass - San José Cemetery-Upper Rociada