Arcelio Lafayette Martinez, known lovingly as Arthur or "Papa," passed away on March 16, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the age of 93. Born in Velarde, New Mexico, to Juan Pablo Martinez and Maria Eutimia Montoya Martinez, he lived a long and remarkable life defined by unconditional love, unwavering loyalty, and an extraordinary work ethic.

A self-described "Mama’s Boy," Arcelio deeply admired his mother’s hardworking nature. Seeing her labor, he asked his Grandpa Montoya to teach him the skills he needed to help. Under his grandfather’s guidance, he learned to raise rabbits—at one point caring for hundreds—as well as how to bale alfalfa, make jerky, and harvest fruitful gardens. Arcelio carried this knowledge with him for the rest of his life, often saying, "My Grandpa Montoya was tough, but he taught me the importance of hard work, and for that I am grateful." His mother also taught him woodworking; as a young boy, the two of them crafted large, mirrored frames that were cherished by everyone who bought them.

Due to his father’s career with the railroad, Arcelio’s family lived in many beautiful places during his youth, including Ogden, Utah; La Plata, Colorado; Denver; and Durango. However, his heart always led him back home to New Mexico.

Arcelio’s life was defined by love and commitment. He shared 25 years and a beautiful life with his first wife, Flora Martinez (Salazar), and their three children: Yvonne, Vera, and Greg. Following Flora’s tragic passing at the age of 47, Arthur was blessed to find love again. He and Darlene Gomez built a 48-year legacy, uniting their hearts and lives. Arthur took great pride in welcoming Darlene’s son, Jerry, as his own, laying a firm foundation for their family before welcoming their three children, Taralynn, Channa, and AJ. He was a truly devoted man who lived for his family, cherishing every moment until Darlene’s passing on May 16, 2025.

Papa had many jobs throughout his life. At 18, he delivered prescriptions for a pharmacy in Los Alamos and drove a school bus in Dixon. After settling in Albuquerque in 1952, he worked as a tire recapper for Leonard Tires. Later, at Ideal Cement Plant in Tijeras, he earned the nickname “Tres Palas” (Three Shovels) because he naturally did the work of three men. His roles there were diverse, including the high-stakes job of using dynamite to blast the mountainside. He eventually retired from the City of Albuquerque Solid Waste Division in 1996.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Flora Martinez; their grandson, Jason, whose tragic loss on August 9, 1988, left a permanent and sacred mark on his grandfather’s heart; his parents, JP and Maria Eutimia Martinez; his siblings: Joe (and wife Flora), Rosie Mascarenas, Lucy (and husband Albert Gonzalez), his baby brother Horace Martinez; and two brothers, Filiberto and Abbie, who passed away as infants; His favorite uncle, Adolfo Gasca; his beloved Chihuahua, Bluche; his three life long best friends: Mr Richard Flores, Mr Al Hurricane, Mr Manuel Lujan and his beloved wife Darlene Gomez Martinez.

Papa is survived by his seven children: Yvonne and Charlie Boelkins, Vera and Jeff Ciszkowski, Greg and Lisa Martinez, Diana and Jerry Lovato, Taralynn and John Mancha, Channa and Joseph Serna, Arcelio “AJ” Martinez Jr., and his Chihuahua “baby girl," Jazzy.

He leaves behind a legacy of 14 grandchildren: Cathy, Justin, Robert, Kylene, Kayla, Klorin, Jade, Veralynn, Brandon, Joseph, Julia, Johnny, Little AJ, and Lorena; 9 great-grandchildren: Jason, Javi, Frankie, Audrin, Toni, Alessandra, Alondra, Mateo, Uriah; and 6 grand-dogs: Sparky, Luna, Zia, Gizmo, Selena, and Jenni.

We’d like to thank God for the time we had with our Dad. We love you so much Dad and we will miss you forever, because...

You are so damn lindo!!!

We’d like to invite family and friends to join us in honoring and celebrating the life of our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Sunday April 19th from 12:30 - 5:00 PM.

950 N BOSQUE LOOP, BOSQUE FARMS, NM 87068

QUESTIONS CALL: 505-249-4126

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