Raphael Orona Martinez
May 24, 1975 - May 23, 2024

Raphael Orona Martinez, affectionately known as Orona or Raphael the Red, passed away on May 23, 2024, one day shy of his 49th birthday. He was born on May 24, 1975, in Long Beach, CA, and most recently resided in El Paso, TX.

Raphael had a wide range of hobbies that brought him joy throughout his life. He enjoyed collegiate and medieval fencing, creating dioramas and painting miniatures. He also had a love for reading and tabletalk gaming. His favorite foods varied, as his granddaughter claimed he loved breakfast, his children mentioned mac & cheese and hotdogs, and he had a playful manner of eating like an autistic toddler.

Music held a special place in Raphael's heart, and while he appreciated all genres, Weird Al Yankovic was the artist that always came to mind when thinking of him.

Raphael's life journey took him from serving in the Air Force to working at the racetrack at Sunland Park. He had a talent for painting dioramas and miniatures, and his three-dimensional art pieces were a testament to his creativity. Raphael cherished reading books with his granddaughter, though he never quite got the chance to experience that joy with his new grandson.

Above all, there was nothing Raphael loved more than spending time with his family and his beloved wife, Mary Ann Martinez, with whom he had been friends since they were 14 years old.

Though Raphael didn't have a favorite place, his adventurous spirit yearned to travel the world, experiencing everything it had to offer, a desire rooted in his upbringing as a military brat.

Raphael will be deeply missed by his wife, Mary Ann, and his seven children: Gabe Herbig, Amanda Herbig, Nya Martinez, Zander Herbig, Nathan Martinez, Ziggy Herbig, and Samantha Martinez. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Ivy Luna Guzman and Nicolas Miles Guzman.

In addition to his immediate family, Raphael is survived by his mother, Kelly Martinez, and his nephew, Patrick Martinez.

Raphael Orona Martinez will be remembered for his vibrant spirit, his love for his family, and his adventurous nature. He leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories and a reminder to embrace life's journey to the fullest.