Manuel B. Martinez, age 91, of North Canton, passed away on Aug. 31, 2022. He was born Sept. 2, 1930, in Avilés, Asturias, Spain, and emigrated to the United States with his family in 1936. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, from 1951-53. In 1954, he assumed ownership of his father's restaurant, Baker's Café (established 1933), which he operated for 47 years in partnership with his cousin, Jack Alvarez, until they retired in 2001.

An avid golfer, Manuel attended the Masters Tournament as a guest of professional golfer, Seve Ballesteros, for 19 consecutive years. In retirement, he taught golf to children at area golf courses. He was a lifelong health and fitness enthusiast and, long before it was fashionable, took up jogging and making his own yogurt in the late 1960s (much to his children's amusement). A man of simple pleasures, he enjoyed nothing more than a good homemade meal prepared from wholesome fresh food and a good glass of wine. For decades, he made his own wine from Zinfindel grapes in the basement of his home. He was also a gardener and maintained an apple orchard for several years. Most important was his ability to inspire people to be their very best. He was an overly generous, humble man never wanting credit for any successes that were achieved by those he helped.

Manuel is survived by his wife of 43 years, Judith J. (Stone) Martinez, and their son, Severiano Martinez (Pacific Grove, Calif.); his children Leslie Martinez (Mill Valley, Calif.), Marty Martinez (Deerfield Beach, Fla.) and Lisa Martinez (Kent, Ohio); grandson Austin Martinez (Miami, Fla.); step-daughter Karen (Bryan Gerber) Jeffords (North Canton); step-sons Kurt (Carolyn) Rehfus (North Canton) and Kevin (Amy) Rehfus (Dayton, Ohio); step-daughter-in-law Debbie Rehfus (Canton, Ohio); 9 step-grandchildren; and 4 step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Josefa, and his sister, America Gutierrez, all of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain, as well as step-sons Michael Rehfus and Mark Rehfus, both of Canton.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Rossi Family Funeral Home, located at 730 30th St NW in Canton. Funeral services will be Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home, with the Rev. Fr. John Keener officiating. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Paul Catholic Parish in North Canton. The family would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to Julie, Manuel's special caregiver, and Crossroads Hospice for all their loving care.

ROSSI (330)492-5830

www.rossifuneralhomeinc.com