Gabriel Lee Martinez

Gabriel “Gabe” Lee Martinez, of Englewood, Colorado, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, at the age of 73. Born on March 15, 1952, Gabe spent his entire life in Colorado, the state he loved so deeply.

To know Gabe was to love him. He was kind, generous, and charismatic—always ready with a story, a smile, or a helping hand. His love of history and sports meant he could recall fascinating facts about nearly anything, and he especially loved cheering on his Colorado teams, with the Rockies holding a special place in his heart.

An athlete and adventurer, Gabe lived an active life filled with skiing, tennis, biking, and more. He also had a deep love of food, especially Mexican cooking, though his legendary sweet tooth may have outweighed even that. Hot tamales, Slurpees, and any sugary treat were never far from reach, and his laughter—full, warm, and unforgettable—was sweeter still.

Gabe leaves behind his daughter, Charlotte Kovanda, and three cherished grandchildren—McKinley (7), Rori (2), and Bodhi (6 months)—who were the light of his life. He is also survived by his siblings, Patti Norman, Ed Martinez, and Chris Martinez, as well as his loving partner, Cynthia, and her children.

His daughter Charlotte carries forward the many pieces of him that live on in her—his love of sports, laughter, curiosity, and generosity (though not quite his talent for cooking). She will never eat a hot tamale, drink a Slurpee, stroll through a farmers market, or watch a baseball game without thinking of him, and the lessons he taught her: to be kind to everyone, and to live with joy.

Gabe’s family and friends will remember him for his humor, his boundless generosity, and his ability to make any room brighter just by being in it.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to those in need - just as he always looked out for those who were less fortunate. 

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