Michael Vergilio Martinez

Michael Vergilio Martinez passed away peacefully at home in Henderson, Nevada at the age of 80 on May 19, 2024. He was born in the mining town of Gilman, Colorado on January 18, 1944, to Silviano Martinez and Aurora Lopez Martinez. After being kicked out of school he joined the US Navy in 1962 and served until 1966.

After leaving the US Navy, Michael followed in his father’s footsteps and became an underground miner and went into the uranium mines in Grants, New Mexico. While in Grants, he met the love of his life of almost 57 years, his wife, Viola. They were married on November 11, 1967. After the mines closed, they moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where Michael got work at the Nevada Test Site and Yucca Mountain until he retired in 1998.

Michael was a proud Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus where he was named Grand Knight from 2002-2004 in Grants, New Mexico. Michael was known for his love of his Denver Broncos and being a great handyman and mechanic. He will be remembered as a kind and loving man who loved New Mexican music and missed by all.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Michelle Hyland; brothers: Elmer Martinez, Ray Martinez, Gilbert Martinez; and sister, Ernestine Duran. He is survived by his wife, Viola; daughters: Rachael Austin (John) and Cynthia Randell (Greg); grandchildren: Adam Martinez (Stephanie), Stephanie Randell, Frank Randell (Brytnee), Maressa Hyland, and Crysteena Hyland; great grandchildren: Landon Glover, Anastasia Martinez, Alana Randell, Michelle Kenny, and Emma Randell; brothers: Joe Martinez, Ernest Martinez (Josephine), Louie Martinez (Maria), and Freddie Martinez (Geri); sisters: Bernice Ramirez (Fernando) and Lucy Ramirez (George); uncle, Adolfo; and numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren.

A visitation for Michael will be held Monday, June 3, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A rosary service will follow at 6:00 PM both at 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015. A funeral mass will be on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 204 S Boulder Hwy, Henderson, NV 89015. Michael will be laid to rest with military honors at 0:40 AM at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Dr, Boulder City, NV 89005.