Johnny Marvin Martinez, Jr.

Johnny Marvin Martinez Jr, age 88, a life-long resident and multi-generational entrepreneur, passed away peacefully with his children at his side on September 29, 2023.

Johnny was born July 15,1935 in Albuquerque, NM, to Juan H. Martinez and Dora G. Martinez. Johnny attended Santa Rosa Schools, graduating in 1954.

At an early age Johnny became interested in cooking and made it a career that spanned over 70 years in his hometown of Santa Rosa.

Johnny was an outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, gardening, trapping, camping and hunting arrowheads. He was a member of the NRA and a Federal Firearms Dealer.

Being very civic minded, Johnny worked tirelessly to make Santa Rosa a thriving, successful city as City Councilman, a member of the Public Works Board and various other organizations within his beloved Santa Rosa. He leaves a legacy that will never be duplicated or surpassed.

Johnny instilled a strong work ethic in not only his family, but in anyone that had the opportunity to work in one of the many establishments he owned and operated in Santa Rosa.

Johnny's claim to fame is the notable Comet II Restaurant, where he worked side by side with his beloved wife Alice until her passing in 2006. He then continued working every day up until a few days before his own passing. The Comet II has been featured in many magazines, newspapers and on TV. The legacy will continue as an honor to his memory.

One of Dad's favorite memories was being known as the Vitamin Kid, which was depicted in the memoirs of Rudolfo Anaya's "Bless me Ultima".

Dad's most recent activities included watching western movies and reading books, often completing the book in one day.

Johnny is preceded in death by his parents: Juan and Dora (Garcia) Martinez, his devoted wife: Alice (Gerhardt) Martinez, daughter: LuAnna Martinez Sena, son: Vincent Roque Martinez, sisters: Rita Olivas and Celina Sierra and his former wife and mother of his children: Patricia (Halpin) Martinez.

Survivors include Johnny’s children: Steve (Chris), LeSharon (Ricky) Redelman, Casey (Carolyn), Juanita (Sean) Wootton and a niece who was more like a daughter: Sunshine Zamora, and brothers-in-law: Johnny Olivas and Ralph Sierra.  Also surviving Johnny are his grandchildren: Rhonda (Ryan) Hillis, Mark Redelman, Ashley (Tim) Martinez, Taña Martinez, Riley (Clint) Elkins, John (Gabby) Martinez, Nick (Laynie) Martinez, Brooklyn, Skye and Marley Wootton, Robert and Adrianna Zamora and great-grandchildren: Wyatt, Gavin, Adalyn, Zane, Katalea, JianCarlo, Tenley, Kateri, Nathaniel, Alana, Jerome, Whitley, and one on the way. Also surviving Johnny are many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Johnny has been described and will always be remembered as a Legend, an Icon, a Character, a Jokester, a Mentor and a Good Friend. To us, he'll always be our Hero and our Daddy. Rest forever in Paradise Dad, we'll love and miss you forever.

Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, October 20, 2023, beginning at 9AM at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa, NM, with Father Moses Nwonkwo officiating the service. 

Interment of cremains in the family plot, at St. Joseph Cemetery, will follow with Johnny’s beloved grandson and namesake: John Martinez, III serving as Urn Bearer.  Honorary Urn Bearers will include the staff from The Comet II.  The family wishes to offer a special “Thank You” to Rodney and Michael Gutierrez for their friendship and loyalty.

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435.  575-472-3369.  To place an online condolence or tribute, kindly visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.