Alfonso Benjamin Martinez

Alfonso "Ponch" B. Martinez, 76, of Las Vegas, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, surrounded by family, after fighting cancer bravely until he heard his Heavenly Father call him home.

Born on October 13, 1949, Ponch grew up with a quick wit that could light up any room and a heart ready to help anyone in need. He was the life of the party; always armed with a funny story, a big laugh, and an infectious grin that made you feel like family the moment you met him. He was greeted at gatherings as if entering the Cheers set with a warm "Ponchito".
Above all, he was a devoted family man whose greatest joy came from the people he loved.

Ponch built a respected career in telecommunications, starting by climbing poles for Mountain Bell, then mastering fiber optics installations for US West, and later bringing high-speed T-1 data lines to communities for Qwest. The job took him to the top of poles and remote sites, but he always came home with hilarious tales of close calls, clever fixes, and the characters he met along the way.

A true car enthusiast through and through, Ponch was a familiar face at every dealership in the region (they knew he loved to look, even if a sale wasn't always in the cards). His masterpiece was a 1979 Dodge D-50 that he transformed into an extraordinary show truck; customized with care and pride, and proudly displayed year after year at car shows across the Southwest. That truck wasn't just metal and paint; it was a rolling testament to his creativity, patience, and love for the craft. With the innumerable friendships he made along the way, he once again left his mark as someone who will be by your side and help you out of a jam.

On the golf course, as a proud member of "La Perrada," he embraced the adventure of chasing balls through the scrub brush with the same enthusiasm he brought to everything else. He was a passionate fan of Lobo football and basketball, never missing a game, and he cheered just as loudly for his sons' Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Dodgers. Any sport on TV was an excuse to gather, root, and reminisce, even if the sport was a little more entertainment like the WWE. He also loved coaching his sons' sports teams and being involved however he could as they grew up.

Most of all, Ponch was inseparable from his beloved wife, Solie. Together they created a lifetime of beautiful memories: camping under starry Panderies skies, fishing in peaceful waters, traveling the Southwest, exploring new countries, and soaking up every precious moment with their grandchildren. Those grandkids were his world; he spoiled them endlessly, laughed with them, and teaching them the value of hard work, kindness, and the value of a good joke. In some of his last words, he pledged to be their guardian angel through their lives.

Ponch is survived by his devoted wife, Solie; his two sons, Alfonso Jr. "Alben" and his wife Rita, along with their children Benjamin, Olivia, Aiden, Anneliese, and Natalie; and Daniel "D" and his wife Shóna, along with their children Ólan and Órla. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfonso "Poncho" and Mabel; siblings Anita (husband Manuel - living), Julie (husband Horace - living), Bonnie, and Joseph (wife Lorraine - living); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins who felt his warmth deeply.

He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, quick humor, and unwavering family love. Ponch touched countless lives with his helping hand and open heart and his stories will live on in the love and laughter he inspired.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to share your favorite memories of Ponch as we gather after his rosary. His jokes, kindness, and the way he made every gathering brighter will be shared with all to hear.

Per his wishes, private family viewing on March 26, 2026 at FRENCH-Wyoming from 6:00-6:30 p.m., Rosary follows from 6:30-7:00 p.m., after which we shall share stories of Ponchito's life.

Funeral services on March 27, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church with reception to follow in the gathering hall.

Rest easy, Ponch. You are loved beyond words.