Clyde Alfred Martinez

Clyde Martinez, 89, of La Villita, NM, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, surrounded by his family. Clyde was born on July 1st, 1936, to Celestino and Delfina Martinez, the 3rd of 4 children. He and his siblings were raised on their family ranch, where they learned the true definition of hard work and perseverance, and where he developed his lifelong talent for entrepreneurship - a skill he passed down to his children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Clyde was self-taught and resourceful, continually finding meaningful ways to support his family and serve his community. In 1955, Clyde began working at the Espanola Telephone Company, J.E. Tipton, where he repaired telephone lines and learned everything he could about business and customer service. Then, in January of 1972, Clyde bought his very first racehorse, a 4-year-old stallion named Quite-a-Day. His racehorse set track records for 6- and 7-furlong races at the Santa Fe Downs and was named “Horse Of The Year” at Turf Paradise Racetrack in Arizona.

On February 2, 1957, Clyde married the love of his life, Rosalind Martinez. Together, they raised children they loved wholeheartedly, who, alongside their spouses, continued the legacy of growing and expanding the family ranch and businesses. He was a dedicated family man who was lucky enough to watch his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow and expand their lives. He always supported their every endeavor and adventure, and nothing made him prouder.

In 1976, Clyde and Rosalind, started Z-4 Tractor Company, a successful farm enterprise that has been in business for almost 50 years, and continues to serve its community today. In 1995, with the help of his sons, the family business expanded to include Z-4 Trucking Company, Rocky Mountain 4x4, and Z-4 Trailer Sales. Now consolidated into Z-4 Enterprises, a staple in Northern NM, the business lives by its motto: “Where Customers Become Friends.” It was here that Clyde made many lasting friendships that he treasured throughout his life. Many friends affectionately referred to him as “Tinglé,” his nickname of many decades. In February 2026 the business will proudly celebrate their 50-year anniversary.

Clyde instilled a hard work ethic into his family, ensuring that every generation spent time working the alfalfa at the family ranch - Rancho Z-4, tagging along to auctions, and assisting with the cattle in the Sierra. With Clyde’s dedication and vision, they were able to build a family cabin in Chama, where the family would gather, play in the snow, and enjoy uninterrupted family time for many years. In the mornings, when the family was lucky, he would cook his famous fried eggs. Nothing made him happier than being surrounded by his wife and family, enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Clyde had a deep faith and attended mass on Sundays at St John The Baptist Catholic Church in San Juan, NM. When his health deteriorated, he still watched mass on TV every Sunday.

Clyde is preceded in death by his parents, Celestino and Delfina Martinez, sisters Angie Brennen and Julia Martinez, brother Candido Martinez, sons Hector Martinez and Urban Martinez, grandsons Xavier Marquez and Cameron Martinez, father-in-law and mother-in-law Felix and Simonita Sanchez, brothers-in-law George Sanchez, Tony Sanchez, John Sanchez, and Bud Brennen, sisters-in-law Margaret and Trinidad Sanchez, compadre Deacon Benji Lopez, nephews Tim Martinez, Johnny Martinez, Derrick Martinez, Jody Marez, Bonnie Sanchez, Michael Sanchez, Walter Sanchez, Leon Sanchez, and Jacob Sanchez, and nieces Nora Casaus and Christine Sanchez.

Clyde is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Rosalind Martinez; daughter Thedra Martinez (Matthew) and son Wilbur Martinez of La Villita; daughter Nanci Nielson of California; daughter-in-law Valerie Martinez of Alcalde; granddaughters Rebecca Martinez of Rio Rancho, Claudia Benavidez (Jeremy) of Santa Fe, and Andrea Martinez (Jennifer) of Virginia; grandson Loren Martinez (Selena) of Alcalde; great-grandchildren Xavier, Dominic, and Elijah Marquez, Ella, Logan, and Landon Benavidez, Kayson Martinez, and Chad Garcia Kuzmack; great-great-grandson Maverick Marquez; sister Helen Montoya (Louie) of Albuquerque, and comadre Lafie Lopez of Alcalde, and all the Lopez family. He is also survived by his family of the heart - Kayla Martinez Vigil, Leah Perez, and Mindy Velarde - and many, many loving nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his entire care team, including Amber Care and Hospice, for their compassion, dedication, and gentle care. Special thanks to Reanna Martinez, Anna Dixon, Virgina Sanchez, and all the devoted caregivers whose grace, kindness, and faith-filled hearts were a true blessing during this time.

A Rosary will be recited at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in San Juan, NM, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass in Celebration of Clyde’s Life and faith. Following the services, the family welcomes all to gather for a reception at The Rock in Española, NM, to honor his memory with love, stories, and heartfelt remembrance. A private burial will take place at a later date at the La Villita Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers are Wilbur Martinez, Matthew Herrera, Jeremy Benavidez, Claudia Benavidez, Loren Martinez, Xavier Marquez, Dominic Marquez, and Logan Benavidez. Honorary pallbearers will be Valerie Martinez, Josephine Zamora, Louie Montoya, Marilyn Reeves, Del Serrano, Joe Madrid, Andy Martinez, all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and all of the treasured friends he gathered with for coffee at McDonald’s each day, a cherished part of his daily life for many years.

The family of Clyde Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the Espanola Valley 505-747-7477.