Albuquerque Journal

MARTINEZ -- Donald Eugene Martinez, 54, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on November 25, 2007 following a long and courageous fight against cancer. He is survived by his wife of twenty-eight years, Maureen "Moe" Martinez, and his children, Michael B. and Monica L. Martinez. He was born in Henderson, NV on July 23, 1953 to Bennie A. and Helen A. Martinez, who survive him. Donald was a graduate of Manzano High School, and the University of New Mexico where he attained bachelors and law degrees. He was a teacher at Albuquerque High School and later worked at the New Mexico Court of Appeals as a staff attorney and was a partner at the Fine Law Firm. In 1972, Donald was the first 18-year old delegate to a National Party Nominating Convention as a George McGovern delegate at the Democratic National Convention in Miami, FL. He was past president of Dismas House New Mexico. Donald was a fighter and champion for the underprivileged, disenfranchised and disabled. He worked tirelessly for social justice as an attorney, volunteer and organizer. Donald loved the Lobos, politics, reading, music, traveling with his loving wife and family; and adventurous fishing expeditions with law school classmates and dear friends, Duff Westbrook and Al Boucher. Donald was preceded in death by his brother, Michael A. Martinez. He is survived by brothers, Robert B. Martinez and wife, Irma, Judge Kenneth H. Martinez and wife, Vivian, David P. Martinez and wife, Sheryl; sister, Shirley C. Martinez and Joseph Lovato; brother-in-law, Michael Valencia; and sister-in-law, Sheila Montano and husband, Joe. He is also survived by nephews, Robert A. Martinez of New York City, Major Jon Benjamin Martinez, US Army, of West Point, New York, Chad C. Martinez, Matthew D. Martinez, Shawn Mascarena, Estevan DeLaO, Tim Roybal, Davie Martinez, Brent Martinez and wife Crystal, Thomas Martinez, Zachary and R.J. McNellis, Thomas and Michael Valencia, Brian and Joseph Montano; and nieces, Penelope Parham and husband, Tim, Savannah and Gabriella Martinez, Janae McLane and husband, Jamie, and Maureen Morain and husband, John. He is also survived by his closest cousin, Ernie Gomez of Whittier, CA; as well as numerous grand-nephews, grand-nieces, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Don was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Clemente and Margaret Valencia; brothers-in-law, Joe and Brian Valencia. He will be missed by numerous friends, including childhood friends and clients. A memorial/celebration of his life will be conducted at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, commencing at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 1, 2007. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation of NM, 3167 San Mateo Blvd. NE, #162, Albuquerque, 87110 and/or Dismas House NM, 701 Candelaria Rd. NW, Albuquerque, 87107, in loving memory of Donald E. Martinez. French Mortuary 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400 www.frenchmortuary.com