Doroteo C. Martinez

Longtime Monte Vista resident Doroteo C. Martinez, 74, passed away from dementia on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, at the San Luis Valley Health in Alamosa, Colo., with his loving wife by his side. Doroteo was born on Aug. 5, 1947, in Monte Vista, Colo., to Jose Ignacio "Nacho" and Estefanita Lucero Martinez.

Doro grew up in Center, Colo., and after graduation, he joined the United States Air Force. After he completed his duties in the service he came out with an honorable discharge and was a staff sergeant.

After the service, Doro went to college and chose to do refrigeration as his career. He owned and operated Valley Refrigeration Company for over 30 years. In 2019, he was in a car accident going to work which ended his career due to the dementia.

Doro was cared for by his wife Maria until his passing. They shared a loving union of 26 years together. Doro was a kind and gentle man. He always tried to help those in need. He enjoyed watching football, car shows, and home building programs. His favorite pastime was playing pool with his wife and friends at the senior center in Monte Vista.

He is survived by his wife Maria Martinez whom he met in 1992, his son Jason Martinez (Marilyn) from a previous marriage, stepchildren Tara Lloyd and Matthew Shaffer; one grandson Marco Martinez; four step-grandchildren Jeanne Gurule, Joey Cisneros, Angelo Cisneros, Niclo Cisneros; adopted brother Tony Martinez whose whereabouts are unknown.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents Jose Ignacio "Nacho" Martinez and Estefanita Martinez-Maez, stepfather Ernest Maez, granddaughter Chloe Martinez.

Doro will be missed by his family and friends so much. He and his wife Maria had a love that only comes once and a lifetime.

A Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, at 11 a.m., at the Romero Funeral Chapel in Alamosa. Interment will follow at the San Luis Valley Cemetery in Monte Vista with full military honors.

Donations can be made to the dementia/Alzheimer's society at 225 N. Michigan Ave. FL 17, Chicago, IL. 60601.

If you would like to leave online condolences, please visit romerofuneralhomes.com. The care of arrangements has been entrusted to Romero Funeral Home of Monte Vista.