08/01/2026
Stephen Paul DeMartini
Stephen Paul DeMartini, 81, passed away unexpectedly on June 10, 2026, leaving his family with a profound sense of loss and a deep well of gratitude for the years they shared with him. Steve was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, neighbor, and friend. He was a man whose warmth, humor, and generosity made every gathering brighter.
Born in San Francisco on October 3, 1944, Steve built a life grounded in honesty, loyalty, kindness, and hard work. He served his country as a Specialist Four in the United States Army in Vietnam, where he purified water for the troops in his company. In 1968, he married his wife Nancy, and together they shared 57 years of building a family with two daughters and a life filled with love and laughter. Steve was a Teamster for over 30 years and worked 65 hours each week so his daughters could attend Catholic schools and private universities. He later spent many years working with dear family friends as the Parts Manager of their autobody shop.
Steve’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. Whether in Chico, Orinda, or on Cobb Mountain, he felt most at home when his ten family members were together: he and Nancy, their two daughters and sons-in-law, and their four grandchildren. Those moments, filled with laughter, meals made with love, and the simple pleasure of being together, were the heart of his life.
A passionate sports fan, Steve loved the San Francisco 49ers and the San Francisco Giants with unwavering enthusiasm. For nearly half a century, he ran his beloved fantasy football leagues, a testament to his love of football and the friendships he nurtured. Steve also enjoyed crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and cards. He was especially fond of playing Hand and Foot and performing the Swami card trick with his daughter, a shared delight that amazed friends and sparked endless laughter.
Steve was sometimes asked if he was disappointed not to have a son, given how much he loved sports. He always replied incredulously and proudly, “Have you seen my daughters play sports?” He taught his daughters how to throw a softball properly, to get their glove up after delivering a pitch, and to stay in the batter’s box when the pitch was close. He coached elementary school basketball and loved telling stories about a perfectly executed give-and-go. He could be found counting his daughter’s 200 laps at the local swim-a-thon or serving as a swim meet timer. He often talked about how one daughter could hit the ball a mile while the other was sinking three-pointers. Along with technical skills, he taught that winning was not everything, that a game was not won or lost on one play, and that what mattered most was the integrity of the player. Steve proudly watched his granddaughters play soccer and volleyball and perform in musical theater, and he cheered on his grandson at football games. Supporting his daughters and his grandchildren was one of his greatest pleasures.
Throughout his life, Steve faced significant medical challenges, including colon cancer, heart valve replacement surgery, an emergency appendectomy, and an aortic aneurysm. He met each one with remarkable strength, resilience, and a positive attitude, even in moments of suffering. He fully recovered from all of these issues, and each crisis deepened his family’s gratitude for every additional year they were given with him. They cherished the extra time, the celebrations, the ordinary days, and the countless small moments that became treasured gifts.
Steve is survived by his wife, Nancy DeMartini; his daughters, Karyn DeMartini and Kristen Carlos; his sons-in-law, Jason Szeman and Paul Carlos; and his grandchildren, Marina Carlos, Olivia Szeman, Dane Szeman, and Giada Carlos. He is also survived by his brothers, Larry DeMartini and David DeMartini; his sisters-in-law, Paula DeMartini, Bonnie DeMartini, and Terry Sutter; six nieces and nephews; and twelve great-nieces and great-nephews. Steve leaves behind beloved friends who became family, including the Bob Brothers, members of the Italian Village Country Club, and his Friday night Chico dinner group. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louise and David DeMartini; his uncle, Louis Maestri; his sister, Rosanne DeMartini; his brother-in-law, Ron Sutter; and his nephew, Scott DeMartini.
Above all, Steve lived a life defined by the generosity of his time, his kindness, his warmth, and his love. His daughters describe him as the most selfless and honest person they have ever known, a man who found humor whenever possible and who made the world better simply by being in it. The world would be a far better place if more people carried themselves the way Steve did.
Though his passing leaves an ache that cannot be measured, his family finds comfort in the love they shared openly and often. They know he understood exactly how much he meant to them, just as they knew how deeply he loved them. Steve’s legacy is one of integrity, laughter, hard work without fanfare, resilience, and unwavering love. He will be missed beyond measure and remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
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