Michael Vergilio Martinez passed away peacefully at home in Henderson, Nevada at the age of 80 on May 19, 2024.
He was born in the mining town of Gilman, Colorado on January 18, 1944, to Silviano Martinez and Aurora Lopez Martinez. After being kicked out of school he joined the Navy in 1962 and served until 1966. After leaving the Navy he followed in his father’s footsteps and became an underground miner and went into the uranium mines in Grants, New Mexico. While in Grants, he met the love of his life of almost 57 years, his wife Viola. They were married on November 11, 1967, and after the mines closed, they moved to Las Vegas, NV, where he got work at the Nevada Test Site and Yucca Mountain until he retired in 1998. Michael was a proud Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus where he was named Grand Knight from 2002-2004 in Grants, New Mexico. Michael was known for his love of his Denver Broncos and being a great handyman and mechanic.
Michael will also be remembered for his love of New Mexican music, food, and culture.
He was survived by his wife: Viola; daughters: Rachael Austin (John) and Cynthia Randell (Greg); grandchildren: Adam Martinez (Stephanie), Stephanie Randell, Frank Randell (Brytnee), Maressa Hyland, and Crysteena Hyland; and great-grandchildren: Landon Glover, Anastasia Martinez, Alana Randell, Michelle Kenny, and Emma Randell. Michael was also survived by his brothers: Joe Martinez, Ernest Martinez (Josephine), Louie Martinez (Maria), and Freddie Martinez (Geri); sisters: Bernice Ramirez (Fernando) and Lucy Ramirez (George) and Uncle Adolfo; and numerous nieces and nephews and godchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter: Michelle Hyland; brothers: Elmer Martinez, Ray Martinez, Gilbert Martinez; and sister: Ernestine Duran.
Pallbearers will be 4th Degree Knights of Columbus members from Nevada and New Mexico.