Steven Leroy Martinez

On July 1, 2026, Steven Leroy Martinez — a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother — left this world, but not our hearts. He passed peacefully surrounded by the comfort of family at the Veterans' Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Born March 29, 1948, Steven brought 78 years of love and light into the world. He was a man of extraordinary strength, faith, and wisdom. Strong as he was in physical stature, he was even stronger in character. He was the proud and beloved patriarch of an extensive family to whom he was relentlessly devoted, and who in turn looked to him for advice in times of need, joy in times of sorrow, and a love that was all-encompassing, ever-present, and unwavering.

One of six children to Bart and Opal Martinez, Steven spent a humble childhood in Denver, Colorado. He attended Saint Joseph High School where he was a cherished peer and star athlete in baseball and basketball — which he loved. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country from 1967 to 1971, including overseas during the Vietnam War. He then spent the next 32 years as a public servant with the U.S. Postal Service, where he worked tirelessly to build a steadfast foundation for his family that would nurture and support generations to come. Upon retiring, Steven found much-deserved peace and relaxation in Surprise, Arizona. He spent his winters perfecting his golf game on the gorgeous desert courses of Arizona, and his summers back home in Colorado with his expanding family.

The remainder of his days were brimming with joy — sharing laughter with his wife, playing card games with his children, tending his impressive garden, hosting backyard barbecues, taking cruises to new and wondrous places (Alaska was his favorite), coordinating epic Fantasy Football leagues, coaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in sports and in life, spending time with his pup (and very best friend) Cooper and his grand-pup Saige, and simply being in the presence of his family.

Steven Leroy Martinez was the magnificent foundation for three more generations of love and light. He is so deeply loved and missed by his wife Susan; his five blended-family children: Steven “Todd” Martinez, Tara Martinez-Garcia, Gerard Trujillo, Jenn Trujillo-Nokes, and Jessica Trujillo; his grandchildren: Sadies Martinez-Harger (Skye), Aven Martinez, Taylor Garcia-Keel (Chris), Peyton Garcia-Hanson (Will), Tristan Garcia, Tylisia Trujillo-Chapa (Ernest), and Jalen Newkirk (Bianca); and his great-grandchildren: Benicio and Santana Hanson, Analiyah and Aniyah Chapa, and Victoria and Violet Newkirk.

Steven’s physical presence may have left this world, but the love and light he brought to it will grow ever brighter through those he loved and who so loved him back. He is survived by a legacy of love, strength, and courage that will never fade.