Ernest DeMartini

1942 - 2018

Ernest John DeMartini

February 10, 1942 - January 19, 2018

Ernest John DeMartini put down his chalk and closed his math book for the last time, as unexpectedly as finding the end of a Mobius strip, on January 19, 2018. Ernie was born in San Mateo, California, on February 10, 1942, to Ernest and Bertha DeMartini. He spent his childhood in San Mateo and Burlingame, graduated from San Mateo High School in 1959, and went on to add his bachelor's and master's degrees at San Jose State College.

While a student at San Jose State, he met Eva Erlbaum, and they fell in love. They married, moved to Walnut Creek, and welcomed the arrival of two children. They eventually made their longtime home in Lafayette, which later became a playground for their grandchildren. Over the last nine years, they spent much of their time in Maui. Ernie and Eva's formula remained true, as they recently celebrated their (x2 + 4x - 10) when x=6 anniversary. As a husband, he fulfilled every girl's dream of finding a kind, funny and humble partner. As a father and grandfather, he was adored.

Ernie began his career as a student teacher at Willow Glen High School, moving up to the San Jose East Side High School District from 1965-67, and then making his way to Acalanes High School in 1968. From 1968-2004, Mr. D taught thousands of students, including his own two children. He absolutely loved every minute of teaching and never missed a day of school. He particularly enjoyed seeing the success of his students and their families inside and outside of the classroom. He also had an incredible ability to remember everything about his former students.

While he expected sincere effort from all of his students, he made life in the classroom enjoyable with his noteworthy humor. When class was out for the day, he was often found either coaching youth sports or at Diablo Foods visiting with students, parents, friends and employees. His family has joked for decades that it would always take him at least two hours just to get a loaf of bread, and he often forgot one item, so he just had to go back.

Mr. D "retired" in 2004 with his infamous line, "I told Eva I would retire, but I still think I have a few good years left in me." Within a few short months, he went back to teaching, this time as a substitute and also as a private tutor. In recent years, he also brought his love of teaching to Maui Preparatory Academy. When in Maui or Lafayette, he would always have his worn iPad so he could continue tutoring all his students. He also spent countless hours making house calls as he wanted to make sure students who were unable to attend school, due to illness or an accident, remained current in their math studies.

He leaves behind his wife Eva, daughter Kelly, her husband Nick and step-daughter Natasha, son Jeff, his wife Jenny and their children Natalie and James, as well as a giant sphere of people he truly loved.

Ernie did not wish to have a memorial as he never felt the attention should be on him. In his honor, The Ernie DeMartini Memorial Mathematics Fund has been created for the benefit of Acalanes High School students and teachers. Contributions can be made, via check, to Schwab Charitable at 1958 Summit Park Dr. Suite 200, Orlando, FL 32810. Please include the complete Fund name and account number 59836431 in the memo line of the check. His family thanks everyone for the incredible outpouring of support.