By Christopher Harrop
Demostenes “Dan” Martinez Jr., 69, of Henderson, passed away Sept. 12, 2014. He was born Jan. 22, 1945, to Demostenes Sr. and Faustina Martinez in Chacon, N.M.
Dan moved with his family to the Brighton area in 1954 and attended and graduated from area schools. After graduation he joined the U.S. Army. Dan worked as a union pipe fitter welder at the Conoco Oil Refinery in Commerce City. He was a member of the Safety Team and retired as an Esteemed Tracing Specialist after 30 years of service. While at work, on Oct. 3, 1978, Dan survived the “Big Blast” Oil Refinery explosion in Commerce City. The explosion claimed the lives of three of his coworkers.
Dan enjoyed watching football and was a diehard Oakland Raider fan. He loved trips to Blackhawk, fishing, coaching baseball and watching his grandson play sports. Dan was a very caring, generous, hardworking, loyal man who loved to share his great sense of humor with friends and family. He touched many lives and will be missed dearly.
Dan is survived by his son, Danny (Erika) Martinez, of Northglenn; daughter Valerie (Lalo) Rodriguez, of Brighton; two grandchildren, Matthew and Alyana; brothers, Alberto (Joann) Martinez, of Henderson, Modesto Martinez, of Fort Lupton, Roberto Martinez, of Brighton; sisters, Yolanda (Angel) DeLeon, of Fort Lupton and Evelyn Martinez, of Thornton.
He WAs preceded in death by his parents Demostenes and Faustina Martinez; brothers Nestor Martinez and Ferdinando Martinez.
A Rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at St William Catholic Church in Fort Lupton, a Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at St. William Catholic Church in Fort Lupton, with interment following at Hillside Cemetery.
Tabor-Rice Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
