In Memory Of
Sammy J. Martinez
1947
2020
Sammy J. Martinez
December 7, 1947 — May 22, 2020
Sammy J. Martinez, of Denver, CO, 72, succumbed to cancer and was taken to heaven on May 22nd.
He was born to the late Joe and Hope Martinez, on December 7th, 1947, in Denver, Colorado. Sam graduated from Manual High School in 1966. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education from University of Southern Colorado and a Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Northern Colorado.
Sam was a high school industrial arts teacher for Denver Public Schools until he retired in 2001. Following his retirement, he continued to work part-time at the Career Education Center counseling students as they prepared for college. Prior to his work as a teacher he proudly served in the United States Army.
Sam always had an attention to detail in his life and was never afraid to approach a challenge head on. He could be found working out, watching football and golf, and even venturing to Las Vegas to try his luck. He loved to play golf, especially with his brother-in-law Paul Chiarelli. Also, Sam loved to dance and created many memories for family members that witnessed his energy on the dance floor. He had a contagious sense of humor and especially enjoyed teasing his sister Stella Trujillo. We will all miss him at our family barbeques along with the impromptu golf lessons he provided.
Most importantly, Sam always found time to renew his faith with his study of the bible and prayer. He was an active and dedicated member of Lily of the Valley church in Denver. His cousin, Pastor Richard Hernandez was a source of strength and helped support Sam in meeting the challenges he faced during his final days.
Sam kept in his personal belongings numerous 'thoughts to remember'. A few that we're sure he would want to define his legacy include:
· In some way, make God a daily part of your life.
· How you face adversity will develop and define your character.
· It isn't necessary to be perfect in life. Perfection is only a word. There is no such achievement because improvements can always be made. Perfection can only be found in the dictionary. Instead, always give 100% in your efforts.
Sam is survived by three children: Tammy Kilbourne and Amy Jorgensen, of Aurora, Colorado; and Michael Martinez, of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He also is survived by eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also, he is survived by two sisters Stella Trujillo and Renee Duran. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Hope Martinez, and sister Bea Chiarelli.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in his name to the American Cancer Society.
Sam will be laid to rest at Ft. Logan cemetery with military honors during a private service. Funeral services will be held at a future date to allow his family and friends to celebrate his life together.
To send condolences or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.
He was born to the late Joe and Hope Martinez, on December 7th, 1947, in Denver, Colorado. Sam graduated from Manual High School in 1966. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education from University of Southern Colorado and a Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Northern Colorado.
Sam was a high school industrial arts teacher for Denver Public Schools until he retired in 2001. Following his retirement, he continued to work part-time at the Career Education Center counseling students as they prepared for college. Prior to his work as a teacher he proudly served in the United States Army.
Sam always had an attention to detail in his life and was never afraid to approach a challenge head on. He could be found working out, watching football and golf, and even venturing to Las Vegas to try his luck. He loved to play golf, especially with his brother-in-law Paul Chiarelli. Also, Sam loved to dance and created many memories for family members that witnessed his energy on the dance floor. He had a contagious sense of humor and especially enjoyed teasing his sister Stella Trujillo. We will all miss him at our family barbeques along with the impromptu golf lessons he provided.
Most importantly, Sam always found time to renew his faith with his study of the bible and prayer. He was an active and dedicated member of Lily of the Valley church in Denver. His cousin, Pastor Richard Hernandez was a source of strength and helped support Sam in meeting the challenges he faced during his final days.
Sam kept in his personal belongings numerous 'thoughts to remember'. A few that we're sure he would want to define his legacy include:
· In some way, make God a daily part of your life.
· How you face adversity will develop and define your character.
· It isn't necessary to be perfect in life. Perfection is only a word. There is no such achievement because improvements can always be made. Perfection can only be found in the dictionary. Instead, always give 100% in your efforts.
Sam is survived by three children: Tammy Kilbourne and Amy Jorgensen, of Aurora, Colorado; and Michael Martinez, of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He also is survived by eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also, he is survived by two sisters Stella Trujillo and Renee Duran. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Hope Martinez, and sister Bea Chiarelli.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in his name to the American Cancer Society.
Sam will be laid to rest at Ft. Logan cemetery with military honors during a private service. Funeral services will be held at a future date to allow his family and friends to celebrate his life together.
To send condolences or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sammy J. Martinez, please visit our flower store.
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