Richard P. Martinez Sr.

Richard Pete Martinez, 86, of Greeley, passed away, July 24, 2016 at his home in the presence of his loving family. Richard was born April 29, 1930 in Gilcrest, Colorado. He was the 2nd child of Margaret (Garcia) and Phillip Martinez. He graduated in 1948 from Gilcrest High School. He met the love of his life Mary Casares Turrubiartes and they were married for 63 wonderful years. Together they raised five beautiful children.

Richard served in the Army Transportation Corps while stationed in Germany from 1954-1956. After being honorably discharged, he joined the Weld County Sheriff’s Office as a field officer investigating all types of crime. Eager to enhance his investigative skills, he attended training at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in fingerprinting and criminal investigation and also attended the Chicago Institute of Applied Science in law enforcement.

After receiving the highest score in the history of the Greeley Police Department Civil Service Examination, Richard joined the Police Department in 1966.

In January of 1967 he was appointed Weld County Sheriff and in November of 1968 he was elected Sheriff. He was then re-elected in 1970, serving the Weld County community as Sheriff for a total of 8 years.

In 1968 he received the National Peace Officer’s Association, Certificate for Meritorious Service. That same year he received certificates of appreciation from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. In 1974 he received the National Child Safety Council plaque for substance abuse prevention.

Descended from Swiss, Native American, and Spanish ancestry, he will be remembered for his generosity, integrity, sense of humor and love of life. He was much loved and will be missed.

Richard is survived by his wife Mary Martinez; daughters Diana (Lindsey) Wess, Gina Martinez and Kathy Martinez; sons Richard Martinez and Vincent (Ivy) Martinez; sister Ida (Roger) Heimbuck; brothers Joe Martinez, Julian Martinez, Ernest Martinez and Paul Martinez; grandchildren Jennifer (Justin), Margaux (Dario), Jaimye, Kara, Kortne (Richard), Alex (Ashley) and Teena (Ulysses) and great-grandchildren Hailee, Jaxon, Elena, Teague, Charlie and Luca. Richard was preceded in death by his parents Margaret and Phillip; brothers Phillip and Bernard and sisters Sara and Madeleine.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Recitation of the Rosary will take place at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 27, 2016 both at Stoddard Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 28, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CPCA (Colorado Police Canine Association) or TRU Hospice of Northern Colorado in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 W. 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80634