Joe Mata Martínez

Joe Mata Martínez passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Peoria, Arizona, surrounded by his three children, his little sister, her husband, and the hosts of heaven.

Born on May 16, 1954, in Juárez, México, to José and Estefana Martínez, Joe was the eldest of six children and was affectionately known as “Pepe” by his family. The family later moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he enjoyed a happy childhood filled with sports. A proud Las Cruces Bulldog, he excelled in basketball and football. He graduated in 1973 and went on to study Civil Engineering at New Mexico State University.

Joe later settled in Phoenix, Arizona, where he raised his three children, Dominique Del Prete, Joey Martinez, and Nichole Taylor. A devoted and loving father, he instilled in them a deep love for the Lord. He cherished his role as grandfather to Diego Del Prete, Lena Taylor, and Milo Taylor, pouring affection and care into each of them. Throughout his career as a civil engineer, he worked at HNTB in downtown Phoenix and later at the Palo Verde Generating Station. Joe had a warm, people-loving nature and a well-known appreciation for good food, especially sweets and desserts, a trait he happily passed on to his children. Deeply committed to his faith, he was actively involved at Vineyard Church in Phoenix, later known as Pure Heart Christian Fellowship. He participated in mission trips to Romania and Mexico, and found great joy in hiking and being immersed in God’s creation, whether in the Organ Mountains of Las Cruces, the pecan orchards of Stahmann Farms in Mesilla, Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, or the desert landscapes surrounding the city. Despite life’s challenges, he lived with contentment and peace, trusting fully in God’s hands.

He was preceded in death by his father, José Díaz Martínez; his mother, Estefana Martínez; and his brother, Alfonso Martínez. Joe is survived by his children Dominique Del Prete and her husband Michael of Phoenix, Arizona; Joey Martinez of Phoenix; and Nichole Taylor and her husband Anour of Bristol, England. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren and his siblings Liz Graham, Linda Cardona, Armando Martínez, and Martha Campos, along with their families.

Those who knew and loved Joe will miss him deeply, yet look forward with hope to being reunited with him in heaven in the presence of their Savior.