Saturnino Martinez Jr., age 60, passed away on February 5, 2026. He was born in Espanola New Mexico, and proudly carried his roots, values, and love for community with him throughout his life.

Saturnino, often known as Sat, dedicated many years of service to working at the Santa Fe Penitentiary, from which he retired in 2007. Never one to slow down, he went on to build his own construction and home remodeling business, where his creativity, skill, and determination quickly became well known. No project was ever too big or too complicated—Sat always found a way to make it work. Friends and family fondly referred to him as the “Chicano MacGyver,” a nickname that perfectly captured his ingenuity and can-do spirit.

Sat was the kind of man who never met a stranger. Everywhere he went, he ran into someone he knew. His children often joked that he was “like the president” because of how many people loved and respected him. Sat treated everyone like family, no matter who they were, and made people feel welcomed, valued, and at home in his presence.

He found true joy in hunting, fishing, camping, riding his Harley motorcycle, and spending time with his family and friends. Music was always part of his life, especially classic rock and listening to KANW, often providing the soundtrack to his days and gatherings with loved ones.

Saturnino is survived by his sons, Jeremy Martinez and Jerick Martinez; his spoiled fur baby Minnie, his cherished grandchild, Josiah Corriz; his loving parents, Velma Martinez and Saturnino Martinez; his brothers, Randy Martinez and Greg Martinez; his sister, Elaine Martinez; his daughter-in-law, Mariah Martinez, and his caring companion Henrietta Larkin. He was a devoted father, a proud grandfather, a loving son, brother, uncle, and a loyal friend to many.

Service information will be made public as soon as possible.

Above all, Sat will be remembered as one of the most loved people we know—a man whose warmth, generosity, humor, and heart left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the homes he built and restored, and the family and community he held so close.