Leonardo "Leo" Martinez

"Take your time... but hurry up"

Leonardo (Leo) Martinez of Denver was called home with the lord on August 31, 2024. He has been reunited with his mother Alberta V. Zendejas and father Leo V. Martinez. He was a devoted husband, father, papi/grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, son-in-law, uncle and friend.  He is survived by his wife of 45 years Helen Martinez, His children Nanette & “Nathan (deceased)” Martinez, Leonardo & “Bernadette (deceased)” Martinez, Kenny, Alberto (Bear) & Gail Martinez, Vanessa & Johnny Camacho. He had 11 grand children. Janelle Martinez, Nathan Jr. & wife Danah Martinez, Jessica & Frank Rodriguez, Chantal & Sergio Pena, Isaac & Bailey Martinez, Alexandra (Alex), Alia, Alena, Gabriel (Gabe) Martinez, Sophia, Emilio Camacho he had 11 Great-grandchildren Jacob, Josiah, Nathan, Nevaeh, Franky, Audrina, Elias, Ariana, Mia, & Sonny Leo. He is proceeded in death by his great grand daughter Aristasia. Survived by siblings Emily Lucero, Richard & Lorraine Martinez, Joseph & Priscilla Zendejas. And his most loyal and devoted friend Nala his dog. Almost everywhere he went Nala was by his side. He is proceeded in death by sisters Rosie Chavez, Helen Lucero, Gloria Cordova, Josephine (JoJo) Lechuga, Juanita Martinez, Joyce Carranco & brother Edward Martinez. 

Leonard was a man of many words that loved to make people laugh. He was the life of the party. The beep beep road runner made when the room was quiet. A smile that would light up any room. The charm and natural hair like Elvis but had moments of Shrek. He was our real life walking Elvis mixed with Ogre. He loved to go fishing while rocking out to Metallica, he loved checking out the mountains driving and visiting Blackhawk, he absolutely loved bowling, especially in his gold bowling shoes. His love for bowling was fun but was very competitive when he had to. Leo was in many leagues along with the Amateur Bowlers Tour (ABT), where he won numerous championships. Leonard was a Bronco, Rockies, Nuggets and Avalanche fan and can’t forget his Colts, but he loved his number one CU Buffs. There was no time but CU time in his house but his number one love was his family. May 18, 2010 he retired after 36 years and became a pick-up, drop-off stay at home papi/ grandfather, Blackhawk frequent visitor, and a proud papi at football, baseball, basketball, softball, and volleyball games and the number one fan at each game. Four years ago life changed when he started dialysis. His body started to deteriorate. If it wasn’t one thing it was another. He was the strongest willed man. With faith he never gave up, and fought everyday to be here. To be here with his family. His ultimate goal was simple. He just wanted to live. Once was asked Quality of life vs Quantity of life? He said quality of life. Quality of life is living and never thought twice about quantity of life. Living is what was important to him. Family was the most important thing and he always would say, “Always remember, blood is thicker than water.”