Napoleon Martinez

Napoleon " Nap" Martinez, age 78, passed away December 31, 2003 at an Albuquerque hospital following an illness. Nap was born October 2, 1925 in Pintada, NM to the home of Alcario and Faustina Garcia Martinez. He was reared and attended schools in Pintada. Nap served in the United States Army during WWII. He married Utilia Apodaca in 1945 in Santa Rosa. Nap was a self employed Meat Processor for many years, he was a sheep herder and a rancher. Nap retired from Guadalupe County Government were he served as County Clerk, County Assessor and Deputy County Assessor. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church where he served as Eucharistic Minister for 35 years, he was a member of St. Anne's Sodality and he and his wife Utilia were involved in the CYO. He was also a member of the American Legion, Knights of Colmbus Council 5146 where he held different offices including Grand Knight. Nap prayed the rosary for the deceased members of the community for over 30 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend and will be truly missed. Nap is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Sabinta Gonzalez, Rose Nelson and Frances Campos and his brother Faustin Martinez. Survivors include his wife Utilia Martinez of the family home in Santa Rosa, his Son Patrick Martinez and wife Gloria of Santa Rosa, his daughter Teresa Viramontes and husband Carl of Albuquerque, his grandchildren Manuel Martinez, Andre Martinez, Jessyca Flores and husband Frank and Juliette Lucero. Also surviving are his brothers Jose L. Martinez and Rudy Martinez both of Pintada, Joe A. Martinez and wife Stella of Santa Rosa and his sister Amelia Wallace of Albuquerque along with many loving brothers and sisters in law, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Rosary services will be held on Friday evening, January 2, 2004 from St. Rose Church in Santa Rosa. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 3 also from St. Rose Church with Father Nick Nichols officiating. Burial will follow at the St.Joseph Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be Manuel Martinez, Andre Martinez, Frank Flores, Larry Apodaca, John Apodaca, Glenn Maldonado, Ronald Maldonado and Arthur Campos. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be all his nieces and nephews. All services are entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home, 923 South 3rd St., Santa Rosa, NM (505)472-3369. For on line condolences go to www.chavezfuneralhome.com