Gabe (Gabby) Martinez, 79 passed away peacefully on February 9^th, 2022 with his loving family by his side at The Center at Park West in Pueblo, CO.  Gabe spent his last several months fighting cancer with unbelievable strength and courage. He resided in Colorado Springs, CO for several years and for the last couple of weeks lived with his daughter Amy Iannolillo and family, also in Colorado Springs. 

Gabe was born in Fort Garland, CO to Gabriel and Fedelina Martinez.  After graduating from Alamosa High School in 1960, he married Ema (Lee) Martinez and had 2 children, Amy Iannolillo, Colorado Springs, CO and Roman Martinez, Alamosa, CO.  He served in the U.S. Army, 82^nd Airborne, in Fort Bragg, NC for 4 years.  Gabe lived his life to the fullest and his infectious smile will be missed by many.  His gift of conversation and trivia were something that many who knew him will always remember.  There was not a stranger that he knew.  He enjoyed golfing, playing pool, traveling and was a master craftsman, redoing furniture and making something old into something new and spending time with his family.  Woodworking was a passion he had his whole life from building a home, remodeling restaurants to the smallest of projects. While in Colorado Springs he had a work working shop and had some of his pieces available in one of a kind stores.  He had wood projects he was working on until he no longer had the strength to do so.  Gabe also had a few restaurants he owned and operated, most built from a “blank canvas” that he had envisioned.  He had many stories of his life’s adventures and never stopped looking for new opportunities or learning something new. He had many close friendships and enjoyed visiting, sharing memories and laughing with longtime friends.  Gabe had resided in several states and his adventures continued through his life.  He was in Thailand May 2021 to teach English for 3 months at their university before returning to home to Colorado Springs due to illness in June 2021. Gabe remained positive & hopeful through his journey with terminal cancer. 

Gabe is survived by his daughter Amy Iannolillo, husband Duane and grandchildren, Eli and Mia Iannolillo of Colorado Springs, his son Roman Martinez of Alamosa, wife Raean Martinez and granddaughter Claire Martinez of Colorado Springs, his sisters Elsie (Martinez) Aguilar, Susie (Martinez) Melgares, and brother Pete Martinez.  He is also survived by many other extended family and friends.  

Gabe was preceded in death by his parents Gabriel and Fedelina Martinez and recently his sister, Julia Trujillo of Alamosa, who passed away on March 6, 2022. 

Private services for the family will be held in Alamosa in May.  A Celebration of Life in loving memory of Gabby will be held for family and friends at The Reeds at Cattails on Friday, May 20^th at 6pm.