William Martinez

Coming around a common-day Martinez gathering, if you ever heard loud music, laughter, and the smell of something delicious on the grill - chances are, Will was behind it. He was the heartbeat of every party, the king of the cooler, and the guy who'd give you the shirt off his back (while probably making a joke about it being his "good shirt").

On May 31, 2025, the world lost one of its brightest, funniest, and most fun-loving souls. After a battle to a recent sudden illness, Will passed on to the eternal party in Heaven. He was 49 years young, but he packed more life, love, and laughter into those years than most of us could in a hundred.

Born March 15, 1976, Will was many things: a devoted husband to Michele, a proud father to four amazing kids - Renee, Leilani, Jacob, and Matthew - a loving brother to Natasha, Teresa (Isaac), and Christopher (Peter), and a doting uncle to many nieces and nephews and "Grumpsy" to grandchildren Davilyn and Celia. Will was also a cousin to many and a friend to absolutely everyone - even people he just met five minutes ago at the gas station.

Will had a heart as big as his laugh - and both showed up everywhere he went. He lived to make others happy, always putting everyone's wants and needs before his own. Whether he was dancing like nobody was watching (even though everyone was), cracking the worst dad jokes imaginable, or firing up music just a little too loud, he lived for good times, great food, and even greater company.

Family was everything to him - even if he occasionally "hid" in the bathroom for some peace and quiet. He was fiercely loyal, endlessly supportive, and had a special gift for making a bad day better with just a smirk and a smart remark. He didn't just love to party - he was the party.

Though he's no longer with us in body, Will's spirit, stories, and unforgettable one-liners will keep showing up at every barbecue, birthday, and late-night kitchen dance party. He showed us how to love big, laugh hard, and live fully - and that's a legacy we'll carry forever.

A celebration of Will's life will be announced at a later date. He will join his beloved parents at their eternal seaside resting place - naturally, with a party to match.

Until then, pour a drink, turn up the volume, and raise a toast in his honor.

Keep the music loud up there, Dad - and save us a seat.