Héctor Martínez

October 27, 1942 – September 16, 2026

Héctor Martínez, lovingly known to his family as Papu, passed away on September 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Mexico City on October 27, 1942, Héctor lived a full, accomplished, and deeply meaningful life. He earned a Master's degree in Finance and built a distinguished career as a successful businessman and finance executive. His intelligence, discipline, work ethic, and remarkable mind for numbers helped shape an impressive professional life, but his greatest pride was always the family he worked so hard to provide for and protect.

Above all, Héctor was a man of family and faith. He was kind, loving, generous, hardworking, disciplined, and deeply devoted to those he loved. He believed in showing up, keeping his word, providing for his family, and giving his best in everything he did.

He was also a warrior and a fighter. Héctor faced life with courage, resilience, and determination. He did not give up easily, and that strength remained part of him until the end.

Papu also knew how to enjoy life. He loved to go out, celebrate, dance, sing, travel, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy a good life. He was passionate about soccer and baseball, loved music and literature, and had a special admiration for the poetry of Pablo Neruda. Héctor was also a gifted poet himself, with a thoughtful and expressive way with words.

His brilliant mind showed up in quieter ways too. He was exceptional at Sudoku and loved puzzles, logic, and the satisfaction of solving something difficult.

One of his favorite greetings perfectly captured his spirit:

"Don't worry, be happy."

And anyone who ever raised a glass with him will remember his signature toast:

"Dili dili."

Héctor was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He showed through his life that fatherhood is defined not only by biology, but by love, commitment, sacrifice, presence, and choice. He loved, guided, protected, and supported his children as his own, becoming a true father in every sense of the word.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Maria D. Martinez; his daughters, Miriam Ruiz and her spouse, Jose Santiago Lopez, and Michelle McBride and her spouse, Greggory Stephen McBride; and Mauro Ruiz and his spouse, Ana Monternach.

He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Francisco Andres Ruiz; Luis Fernando Romero Ruiz and his spouse, Elizabeth Ortega; Mauricio Romero and his spouse, Giovanna Classen; Ana Sofia Ruiz Monternach and her spouse, Raul Eduardo Ruiz-Acosta; and Santiago Ruiz.

His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Noah Alejandro Romero Ruiz, Luna Catalina Romero Ruiz, and Sara Estefania Ruiz, who brought him tremendous joy.

During his final days, Héctor was surrounded by those he loved most. His family prayed with him, held his hands, shared memories, offered comfort, and made sure he knew how deeply he was loved.

Héctor leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, hard work, generosity, resilience, laughter, and love. His family will remember his strength, his kindness, his poetry, his love of sports and music, his joy for life, and the unmistakable presence that made him Papu.

Whenever they gather, watch a game, read a poem, work through a puzzle, hear a favorite song, dance, or raise a glass in his honor, they will remember him.

"Don't worry, be happy."

"Dili dili, Papu."

May Héctor rest in eternal peace, forever loved and forever remembered