Nicholas H. “Nick” Martinez
PAULDING, OH:
Nicholas H. “Nick” Martinez, age 81, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Nick was born on October 9, 1944 in Payne, OH to the late Nick C. and Lupe (Hernandez) Martinez. For over 60 years he owned and operated his business, Martinez Construction, where he worked in concrete and construction. He was a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Parish in Paulding, Paulding Eagles Aerie 2405, and the Labors Local 329 – Lima. Nick coached basketball and baseball in his younger years. He loved fishing, oldies music, dancing and more than anything, he loved his grandchildren.
Nick will be remembered for the way he treated people. He had a generous heart, an easy smile, and a genuine kindness that knew no boundaries between family, friend, neighbor, or stranger. He noticed people, made time for them, and had a way of making them feel they mattered. His generosity was often found in the simplest acts—a helping hand, a ride when someone needed one, candy for neighborhood children, a conversation that was never too hurried, or simply asking, “Do you need anything?” He gave freely of what he had, but even more freely of himself. Throughout his life, Nick quietly became part of countless other lives, leaving behind stories of laughter, friendship, encouragement, and kindness that span generations. To many, he was more than a familiar face; he was part of the fabric of the community he loved. His legacy will live not only in the family who loved him fiercely or in the work of his hands that remains throughout the community, but in the countless people who are better for having known him. Nick lived an ordinary life in an extraordinary way: he made people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for—and wherever he went, he left a little more goodness behind.
Nick will be lovingly missed by his children: Jamie (Christina) Martinez, Huron, OH; Michelle (Claude) Hoenou, Crestview, FL; Nicole (Eric) Gross, Payne, OH; Nicholas Paul Martinez III, Payne, OH; Natalie (Dan) Martinez, Decatur, GA; Natasha Star (Andres Isidoro) Martinez, Hicksville, OH; brothers: Rosalio (Genevieve) Martinez, Paulding, OH: Martin (Gloria) Martinez, Fort Wayne, IN; Juan Martinez, Paulding, OH; sisters: Lupe (Ray) Contreraz, Paulding, OH; Esther (Joe) Rangel, Paulding, OH; Phyllis Martinez, Fort Wayne, IN; Lisa (Tim) Bermejo, Paulding, OH; 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
Nick was also preceded in death by his sister, Valentina Ybarra.
Calling hours will be from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. on Monday, August 31, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home.
Memorial service will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, August 31, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home.
The family requests no flowers or funeral memorabilia. If you wish, please make a contribution in Nick’s memory in care of Den Herder Funeral Home to go towards funeral expenses.
Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.
