Mar. 20, 1949 - Jul. 30, 2020
Date of Service: May 7, 2021
Service Program
Joseph Esquivel Martinez was born in Hereford, Texas on March 20, 1949, to Delfino Martinez Sr. and Minerva E. Valerio. Joe grew up in Rupert, Idaho and moved to Phoenix, Arizona after serving in the Marines to raise his family. Joe then moved to Henderson, Nevada where he passed away at the age 71 on July 30, 2020.
Joe enlisted in the Marines and served as a Corporal in Vietnam. Joe received a purple heart ribbon for combat action. Joe also received the National Defense Service Medal.
Joe worked with the Teamsters Union in Phoenix running a grader blade. He moved to Las Vegas and used his blading skills to help build some of the freeways and casinos. He retired from the Las Vegas Paving Company.
Joe loved spending time in his yard doing landscaping. He was always a protector as well. He cared about his family and friends and was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever needed. He enjoyed his visits to Idaho each year to visit friends and loved ones. His biggest joy were his grandchildren and great grandchildren. We will deeply miss his kindness, unselfishness, and his sense of humor.
Joe is survived by his wife Nancy Martinez, daughter Laurie Martinez, sons Joseph Martinez (Amanda), Mark Cooley, sisters Alice (Wayne) Fleck, Marlene Perry, brothers Isidro Martinez, Dan Martinez, 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his mother Minerva E. Valerio, father Delfino Martinez Senior, brother Delfino Martinez junior, uncles Richard Esquivel, Jessie Esquivel, niece Jennifer Fleck, and brother-in-law Ellis Perry.
A gathering celebrating his life will be held on Friday May 7th, 2021, at St. Nicholas Church at 11:00 in Rupert Idaho. The interment will follow at the Rupert Cemetery. A gathering will be held at Hansen Mortuary on Thursday May 6th from 6:00 - 8:00. Services are under the direction of Hansen Mortuary.
