Matthew J. Valdez

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Matthew J. Valdez on August 5, 2026. A beloved father, son, brother, uncle, godfather, and friend, Matthew passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, following a brief illness.

Matthew was born on June 3, 1969, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Frank and Teofila Valdez. He graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1987 and began a distinguished career with the State of New Mexico Department of Transportation. After 25 years of dedicated service, Matthew retired in 2015. He later found great joy working part-time as a fishing guide for Chama Land and Cattle Company, where he shared his passion for the outdoors with others.

Matthew was a gentle, kind-hearted man whose quiet strength and generous spirit touched everyone who knew him. He found his greatest happiness outdoors—camping with family, barbecuing, hunting, fishing, golfing, photography and spending cherished time at the family home in Ensenada, New Mexico.

Above all else, Matthew's greatest joy in life was his daughter, Martina. She was the light of his life, and he was immensely proud of the kind, strong, and beautiful young lady she is becoming. Their bond was truly special, built on unconditional love, endless laughter, heartfelt conversations, inside jokes, and countless cherished memories.

Matthew treasured every moment they spent together and found his greatest happiness simply in being her father. Watching his little girl grow into an extraordinary young woman was one of his life's greatest blessings. His love, guidance, wisdom, and unwavering devotion will continue to live on through Martina—in the values he instilled, the strength he inspired, and the love they shared, which will remain with her always.

Matthew was preceded in death by his father, Frank Valdez, and his brother, Freddie Valdez.

He is survived by his loving mother, Teofila Valdez; his cherished daughter, Martina Valdez; Martina's mother, Yvette Manzanares, and her extended family; his brother, Marvin (Jackie) Valdez; his niece, Alli Valdez; his nephew, Dominic (Lindsey) Valdez; his great-nephew, Dillon Valdez; his great-niece, Amelia Valdez; his godchildren, Kaiden Hart and Kaleiann Hart; his special friend, Linda Lindberg; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 12, at 5:00 p.m. at the Rivera Family Kiva Chapel, followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 13, at San Isidro Catholic Church at 9:00 a.m., with burial to follow at Rosario Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Gilbert Martinez, Luis Martinez, Travis Moseley, Russell Casados, Antonio Archuleta, and Kaiden Hart. Honorary pallbearers are Thomas Casados, Dominic Valdez, Leo Valdez Jr., Higinio Martinez, Robert Sandoval and Kaleiann Hart.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff at CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Matthew and his loved ones during his final days.

Services are as follows:

Public Viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at the Rivera Family Kiva Chapel of Light from 5-6 pm followed by a Rosary at 6:00pm. Mass will be held on Thursday, August 13th at San Isidro Catholic Church at 9:00am. Burial will take place immediately after mass at the Rosario Cemetery.