Vincent R. Martinez

Our beloved Father, Son, Brother & Grandfather, Vincent Roque "Buddy" Martinez, 60, passed away peacefully with family at his bedside in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Tuesday, March 21, 2023. 

He was born on Wednesday, August 29, 1962, to Johnny Marvin Martinez and the late Patricia Ann Halpin Martinez in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Siblings: Steve (Chris) Martinez, Casey (Carolyn) Martinez, LeSharon (Ricky) Redelman, Juanita (Sean) Wootton, Preceded in death by his Mother Patricia, Sister LouAnna Martinez Sena, and Stepmother Alice Gerhardt Martinez.

Vincent "Buddy," formerly married to Cara Lee Apodaca, had three daughters, Ashley Silva (Tim), Taña Martinez, Riley (Clint) Elkins, and son Marcus Tapia.

Buddy was raised with his siblings in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. During his senior year, Buddy enlisted in the New Mexico National Guard, from there he became significantly involved in the community of Guadalupe County in positions with the SRPD as a police officer, an EMS Director, a volunteer firefighter, and a correctional officer with the Guadalupe County Correctional Facility.

Buddy spent most of his time helping his father at the family-owned Comet II Restaurant. He was often seen cruising in his Bronco with the windows down or casting his fishing line into Perch Lake to wait for a few bites.

To know him was to laugh with him; his jovial nature matched his generosity and kindness toward others. He always thought of helping others, often saying, "I would give the shirt off my back."

He will be greatly missed by many, and the memories made with him will be cherished and passed on.

Buddy is survived by his father, siblings, children, grandchildren (Kateri, Nathaniel, Alana, Jerome III, and Whitley), and numerous family and friends.

Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary followed by the Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 10:30AM at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa, interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Santa Rosa. Following the burial, a meal will take place at The Blue Hole Convention Center.

Honorary Urn Bearer John Martinez III, beloved nephew.

The Martinez family has entrusted the care of their loved one to Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435.  575-472-3369.  To place an online condolence or tribute, please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.