Luis F. Martinez

Luis Felipe Martinez, age 74, of Nokomis, FL, passed away on May 6, 2025. He was the husband of Marianne (Welch) Martinez.

Born in Guantánamo, Cuba on February 4, 1951, he was the son of the late Felipe Martinez- Griñan and Bertha Martinez.

Luis was a proud graduate of Somerville High School and furthered his education at both Boston State College and the University of Massachusetts, obtaining both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree. He was not only an educator but also a man of diverse interests and talents. In his younger years, he played baseball and football.

His life was filled with passion, commitment, and a profound love for learning and teaching. Luis worked as an ESL teacher for many years, dedicating himself to helping others acquire the knowledge and skills they needed to succeed. His enthusiasm for education ran deep, and he always sought to impart wisdom to his children and grandchildren, believing that everything in life was an opportunity for a lesson.

Mr. Martinez served honorably in the United States Marines during the Vietnam War. Known for his outgoing and caring personality, he was loud in spirit, yet always direct, embodying a warmth that drew people to him. Family was the cornerstone of his life, and he was deeply committed to supporting and loving those around him.

He and his wife previously resided in Pembroke for 38 years where they raised their family. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Luis had many interests particularly carpentry. He possessed an ability to fix anything, making him a skilled handyman who friends and family could always rely on. He cherished the times spent traveling, especially by motorhome with his wife, children and grandchildren, creating fond memories of their adventures together. Walking on the beach and watching the sunset was a beloved pastime, allowing him to appreciate the beauty of nature and the world around him. Recently, he and his wife embraced the joy of theater. Luis was also known for his culinary skills, particularly his specialty dish, Flan. Christmas was a special time at the Martinez house with his loving preparation of his traditional Cuban meal.

In addition to his loving wife, he leaves his children, Maia Martinez-Heath and her husband Marcellus Heath of Ponte Vedra, FL, Luis F. Martinez of Orleans, Rita Duggan and her husband Thomas Duggan of Whitman, and Julianne Cooper and her husband Christopher of Taunton; two sisters, Alvis and Adelma Martinez both of Cape Coral, FL; nine grandchildren, Jaiden Martinez-Heath, Kaya Martinez-Heath, Leela Naciri, Finnegan Duggan, Fiana Duggan, Ruby Duggan, Taliya Cooper, Harrison Cooper, and Isaiah Cooper; a sister in law Cecelia Duverger; many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was the brother of the late Miguel Duverger.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend Luis’ celebration of life with military honors on Saturday, July 19, 2025, beginning at 11:00 am, at Luis and Marianne’s residence, in Nokomis, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601, an organization that was dear to him.

For online condolences, please visit www.sowieckifh.com