Daniel Martinez

Daniel Benito Martinez came into this world on November 1, 1976, and he left this world on January 25, 2022, he was born to Mary and Jerry Martinez the youngest of 14 children. Daniel was a lifelong New Mexican, residing in the family home built by his father in Midway. Daniel attended the RISD and Dexter Schools and graduated from University High School in Roswell, NM.

To know Daniel was an experience to say the least. If you met Daniel, you made a friend, to have him as a brother meant you would cry, you would laugh and you would worry. Daniel loved his family, his parents and his brothers, and his sisters, he also loved his other family, the friends he met along his life. God did not promise skies always blue when he gave us Daniel, he said this young man will require much love and patience and people that understand him, and that is why God gave him to us.

Daniel had a heart of gold, when Daniel gave you a hug, you knew you had been hugged, everyone one of his family members and friends knew what it was like to be hugged by Daniel, and when he kissed you on your forehead it was not just one kiss, it was another, then another, until you knew you had been kissed by Daniel.

Daniel loved visiting his brothers and sisters, he was always looking for good snacks. He would always tell us that “we had the best snacks.” Daniel was loved, he had a sibling at every turn that was ready to offer him love, food, advice and sometimes a good stern talking to.

Daniel loved life, and he enjoyed making people laugh. His sense of humor would have us laughing until we cried. Smiling came naturally to Daniel. He cared deeply and loved with all his heart.

We will miss our “Dan the Man”, his laughter and his smile will live forever in our hearts, we will never forget him. In the good times and in the bad, he was always our little brother.

One day he had a discussion with one of his brothers in law, the discussion was about death and what he would want written on his tombstone, Daniel replied, I would like my tomb stone to read “I TRIED” and tried he did.

Our dearest brother Daniel, lay down your crown at the feet of Jesus, and you shall hear him say, “Welcome home my son, your road was long and hard, rest here with me my good and faithful servant.”

The Rosary and Mass of Resurrection will be held on Monday, February 7, 2022 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Roswell, NM with the Rosary beginning at 9:30 am. Deacon Chris Gutierrez will recite the Rosary and the Mass of Resurrection will be officiated by Father Yarek. Serving as his Honorary Pallbearers are his brothers-in-law, Manuel Huerta, Leo Sanchez, Chris Gutierrez, John Tena, Merced Gonzalez, Freddy Palomino, Pete Garcia, and Joe Lopez.

Daniel is preceded in death by his beloved parents Jerry and Mary Martinez, and his infant sister Christine Martinez. Paternal Grandparents Bonifacia and Daniel Martinez and Maternal Grandparents Diego and Petra Salcido. The Martinez and Salcido family have many family members that have preceded Daniel in death, and we would like to think that there was a huge crowd awaiting Daniel!

Daniel is survived by his wife Nicole Martinez and his brother-in-law James Orcutt and siblings who love him very much, Jerry Martinez (Linda), Dolores, Reynaldo (Lori) Loretta (Manuel), Bee (Leo), Teresa (Chris) Lucia (John) Ruth (Merced) Joseph (Rose) Joann (Freddy) Donna (Pete) Lorraine (Joe). And many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins whom Daniel loved very much.

I knew a man who once said, “Death smiles at us all. All a man can do is smile back.”

-Maximus-