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BORN
1954
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
Joseph Martinez Obituary
7/12/1954 ~ 7/19/2022
Salt Lake City—Joseph Samuel Martinez passed away peacefully in his home on July 19, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born on July 12,1954 in Durango, Colorado to Jose Onesimo Martinez, Jr. and Arabella Martinez. He was married to Joyce Ann Vandergriff, later divorced; but remained good friends. He served honorably during the Vietnam era in the U.S. Army. He dedicated himself for 37 years at the V.A. Hospital serving and caring for fellow veterans. He was especially fond of serving in the O.R. where he was well liked, known as the practical joker and organized many social events for the hospital. Halloween and Groundhog day were his holidays!
Sam, a gifted artist, received an associate in commercial art and won the cartoonist award for the state of Utah. His design for the Salt Lake V.A. Hospital logo was selected and used for many years. His love of art was shared with many in various forms.
He was a passionate Green Bay Packers fan and a proud stockholder/owner. His dream was fulfilled when he was able to enjoy a live Monday night game at Lambeau Field.
He is survived by his sister Sarah Howard, brother Michael (Ann) Martinez , daughter Nicole (Alex) Tanner, sons Danny (Holly) Lujan, Beau Lujan. Grandchildren Anthony, Jordan, Morgan, (Michael), Kalob, Kylie, CJ, Luke, James and Lizzy and great granddaughter, Mia. He loved his nieces and nephews. And wonderful neighbors.
Preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister Maryann.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life on August 19, 2022 at Stonebridge Golf Club, 4415 Links Drive, West Valley City, UT from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Please wear your Packer gear, or items will be provided.
In lieu of flowers, give someone a hug, take a picture and tell them you love them. My dad was a gentle giant who gave all of himself to those he met, especially his kids and grandkids. Nuestro Querido Hermano... "And if I go, while you're still here... know that I live on and when you need me, just whisper my name in your heart... I will be there" - Colleen Hitchcock
Interment will be on August 19th at Utah Veterans Memorial Park, 17111 S. Camp Williams Rd., Bluffdale. Please share your condolences, memories and photos with the family at www.starksfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Memorial Events
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