Ernie Martinez

Ernest (Ernie) Martinez, 79 of Santa Fe, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Born on July 24, 1946 in Espanola, Ernie was the son of Tony E. and Connie O. Martinez. Ernie was a loving son, brother, father and grandfather.

Ernie grew up in Los Alamos and Espanola alongside his siblings, Mabel and Betty. He graduated from McCurdy High School and Highlands University. Ernie quickly built a career as an electrician for the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), finding his true calling when it came to electrical work and how important it was to “keep the power on”! Ernie often found himself in remote areas of New Mexico working to restart electrical power following inclement weather and checking the safety conditions of high-voltage substations. He also started his own electrical company and enjoyed doing small electrical jobs on the weekends. Ernie’s dedication and strong work ethic were steadfast over the many years he was employed at PNM until he retired. However, Ernie failed retirement and went to work with Jemez Electrical Cooperative in Espanola up to 2015. Beyond his work, he was known for his love of competing in drag racing, working on his cars to make them even faster, restoring his T-bird, and bowling. Who would have thought that this soft spoken man could have such a competitive spirit! Ernie enjoyed watching boxing matches and Broncos and Steelers football games with family and friends.

Early in 2015 Ernie had a severe case of Guillain-Barre Syndrome that nearly cost him his life. There were severe physical after effects, but Ernie worked hard at physical therapy to try and mitigate them. Despite the physical challenges, he still enjoyed socializing and seeing friends and family.

Ernie is survived by his sons Anthony and Matthew Martinez of Santa Fe, their mother, Mitch Casias of Albuquerque, grandchildren Tony, Lexi and Xavier of Santa Fe, his sister Betty and her husband Bob Janssen of Bernalillo, niece Tina Martinez of Bernalillo, brother in-law Michael Vigil of Espanola and extended family members and friends. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Tony E. and Connie O. Martinez of Espanola, and by his sister Mabel P. Grey-Vigil of Albuquerque.

A celebration of Ernie’s life will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at Santa Maria De La Paz Church, 11 College Ave, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508.

A private family burial will take place at a later date.