Saviniano Jose Martinez

Saviniano Jose (Sav’) Martinez, loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather, left this world on December 7, 2021 at the age of 79 in Farmington, NM. He fought a tough battle with illness and decided he was “ready to go meet Jesus face to face”. Sav’ was born May 2, 1942 in Cedar Hill, NM to Benito and Cornelia Martinez. He was the youngest of 8 children. After graduating from Aztec High School, he continued his education at Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM and later with the British Institute of Hypnotherapy & NLP. Sav’ joined the Army and proudly served our great country for 8 years, leaving with an honorable discharge. Shortly thereafter, he met and married the love of his life, Janice Geremia, in August of 1965 in Las Vegas, NV. Sav’ was working at the Nevada Test Site at the time. (He would never tell us any secrets from his time working at Area 51.) Sav’ had a great passion for music, and the Lord Jesus Christ. He became an ordained Reverend later in life and was even honored to preform a few marriage ceremonies and baptisms for some of his children and grandchildren. He loved hosting karaoke(at the Aztec VFW for the last few years), and was known for his jokes, infectious smile, and his compassionate spirit.

Sav’ was preceded in death by his parents Benito and Cornelia, brothers Felico, Felimon, Alonzo, and sisters Molly, Beatrice and Bernice.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janice (Cherie Marie), his four children, Lori (Gary) Pringle, Sabrina, Don and Anthony (Tony) Gambino, fourteen grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, his sister Sophia Luckey, several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of his Life is planned on his 80th birthday, Monday, May 2, 2022, at Cedar Hill Baptist Church from 4:30 to about 7pm. Please come join us as we share memories and food. 2 Road 2475, Aztec, NM (about 8 miles north of Aztec).