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Martinez – Hector Louis “Papito” Martinez, Jr., age 67, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away on July 10, 2022, at Baptist Medical Center South. He was born in The Bronx, New York on October 29, 1954, to the late Hector Louis Martinez, Sr. and Maria Mercedes Avilez Martinez. Papito was raised in Puerto Rico. At an early age, he found his passion for baseball and played throughout childhood, in high school, in college, and for AAA Major League. In 1983, Papito relocated back to New York where he met his lifelong companion, Miriam Rivera. Together they have enjoyed the last 39 years as best friends and partners. Papito never met a stranger and was very loving and friendly. He enjoyed a long career as a Countertop Fabricator for Koster and Evans in New York but enjoyed his time as an Umpire for North Florida Association the most. Papito and Miriam made Jacksonville, Florida their forever home in 2010 and became members of San Jose Catholic Church shortly after. He lived life to the fullest, enjoyed spending time with his family, and playing dominos with family and friends. Papito’s personality filled the room, and his impact was left on all the lives he touched. He will be forever loved and deeply missed. Papito was preceded in death by his parents, Hector Louis Maritnez, Sr. and Maria Mercedes Avilez Martinez and his brother, Edwin Martinez. Papito is survived by his loving companion of 39 years, Miriam Rivera of Jacksonville, FL; children, Amarilis Acevedo of Jacksonville, FL, Erika Martinez of Tampa, FL, Ruben (Normarie) Roman of NC, Jomari (Fernando Rodriguez) Martinez, Yerika (Alexi) Rivera of St. Augustine, FL, Hector L. (Rosalyn) Martinez, III of NY, Myrnalena Martinez of Jacksonville, FL, and Maria Mercedes Martinez of NY; brothers, Carlos (Caren) Martinez and Jose Martinez both of NY; sisters, Maria Mercedes (Raul Hernandez) Martinez of Deltona, FL; sister-in-law, Kathy Martinez of NY; 16 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, along with numerous extended family members and friends. Mass for Papito will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9800 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256. The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 16, 2022 from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm at the church. The arrangements are under the care and direction of V. TODD FERREIRA FUNERAL SERVICES at Beaches Memorial Park, 1500 Main Street, Atlantic Beach, FL, 32233. 904-249-1166.

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Hector Louis Martinez Jr

October 29, 1954 - July 10, 2022