Santino Lee Martinez

Santino Lee Martinez, born April 23, 2000, passed away unexpectedly on November 3, 2025. A 2018 graduate of Chesterton High School, Santino was an energetic and adventurous young man with a love for sports and challenges. He played soccer from ages 5 to 13 and enjoyed baseball, swimming, fencing, and karate. From age 9 to 24, he competed in paintball nationwide, earning numerous victories and recognition for his skill and dedication. Santino was also a talented artist, passionate about drawing, and he loved spending time outdoors fishing or exploring new places with his family. He regularly attended Valpo Nazarene Church, seeking to deepen his relationship with God. Recently, he was studying radiology at a local university and had dreams of serving his community through law enforcement. Above all, Santino was a devoted father to his son, Gionni Lee Martinez, who was the center of his world. He and Melanie Gawel, Gionni's mother, worked closely together as co-parents, providing love and stability for Gionni. Santino was also a loving son and best friend to his mother, Candice Lee Martinez (Aaron Spain), a protective brother to John Martinez and Mia-Francesca Bonnie Martinez-Spain, a cherished grandson to John Horbovetz and Joe Ortiz, a beloved nephew to Aaron Horbovetz (Kellie), David Horbovetz (Amber), and Julie Pagan, and loved by his cousins, Gage Horbovetz, Aiden Horbovetz, Maddox Horbovetz, Daniel Pagan, and Izzy Pagan. Santino had a natural gift for caring for others- he was loyal, generous, and someone friends and family could always count on. He brought warmth, laughter, and a steady presence to everyone he loved. Santino will be remembered for the love he gave, the joy he shared, and the people he held close. We take comfort knowing he is at peace in God’s hands with Gran Bonnie, Grandma Lisa, Great Grandmother Margaret Thompson, and Uncle Lee, and that his spirit continues through Gionni, his family, and all who knew him. A celebration of Santino’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, with visitation from 3-7 pm. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 10 am. All Services will be held at Burns Funeral Home 701 East 7th Street Hobart, IN, with interment to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, IN. Friends and family are invited to gather, share memories, and honor his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Santino's son, Gionni Martinez, via Candice Martinez's Zelle Account (219-921-4071). If you require other digital forms, please reach out to Candice. Note: ALL funds will be placed in a trust for his son Gionni. www.BurnsFuneral.com

Santino Lee Martinez

April 23, 2000 - November 3, 2025