Joe Mata Martinez

Joe Mata Martínez went to be with his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, March 5th, 2026 in Peoria, AZ. He was surrounded by his 3 children, little sister, her husband, and the hosts of heaven waiting to usher him home.

Joe was born on May 16, 1954 to José and Estefana Martínez in Juárez, México. He was the oldest child of 6, they knew him as “Pepe”. He spoke fondly of his childhood and siblings, Liz (Rosi) Graham, Linda (Leti) Cardona, Alfonso (Fonz) Martínez, Armando (Mando) Martínez, and Martha (Paty) Campos. His family moved to Las Cruces when he was a child. He loved sports and played anything he could get his hands on. He was a proud Las Cruces “Bulldog”. Playing basketball and football were his favorite. He graduated class of 1973 and went to NMSU to study Civil Engineering.

He later moved to Phoenix, AZ where he raised 3 children: Dominique Del Prete, Joey Martinez and Nichole Taylor. Joe was a loving father who supported all his children and raised them to love the Lord above all. He also loved being a grandpa and adored his grandchildren, pouring his love and care into them. He had a successful career as a Civil Engineer, having worked at HNTB in downtown Phoenix and later at Palo Verde Generating Station. He loved being with people and eating good food! He especially loved indulging in sweets and desserts and would never turn one down – consequently, he passed down his sweet tooth to all of his children. He was heavily involved in church activities at Vineyard church in Phoenix, AZ, which was later renamed Pure Heart Christian Fellowship. He loved mission work and traveled to Romania and Mexico several times to serve the people there. He loved his savior, Jesus Christ, and was a man after His heart. He loved to be in God's creation, hiking whenever he could...even in 100+ degree weather!

He was fully aware that God's majesty was in His creation. He often marveled at the awe of the Organ Mountains in Las Cruces, the beauty of the pecan orchards at Stahmann Farms in Mesilla, the grandeur of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, and the vast desert lands tucked in between the city of Phoenix. Despite hardships, he enjoyed life because he was content and at peace with God, knowing that he was in His hands. We will deeply miss him but, us who are in Christ, look with anticipation to when we will see him again in heaven with our Savior.

Joe Martínez was preceded in death by his father, José Díaz Martínez; mother, Estefana Martínez, and Brother, Alfonso Martínez. He leaves behind his children Dominique Del Prete and her husband Michael Del Prete of Phoenix, AZ; Joey Martinez of Phoenix, AZ; Nichole Taylor and her husband Anour Taylor of Bristol, England. His beloved grandchildren: Diego Del Prete, Lena Taylor and Milo Taylor. He also leaves behind his siblings and their families; Liz Graham of Las Cruces, Linda Cardona of Las Cruces, Armando Martínez of Pecos, TX and Martha Campos of Las Cruces.

Services for Joe Martínez will be held on Thursday, March 26th, 2026, at Getz Funeral home in Las Cruces, NM. Public viewing will be at 10:00am followed by his Celebration of Life at 11:00am. The procession will continue to Hillcrest Cemetery immediately after. All who knew and loved Joe are welcome to come celebrate and give thanks to God for his life.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."

2 Timothy 4:7&8