Paul Eller DeMartini

Paul Eller DeMartini passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on June 3rd 2026 in Sacramento California, with his son sharing his pillow and his daughter holding his hand.

Paul was born in San Francisco, to Clara and Edmund “Tack” DeMartini, but spent his childhood years in San Anselmo, California where he enjoyed the spoils of “Moron” County (his words, not ours). After a couple of years of finishing school at the “University of Kentfield” (A.K.A. College of Marin), Paul graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and joined the Air Force as an officer where he served as a Weapons Director. Paul was a veteran of the Vietnam war and spent time stationed in Thailand, which provided a rich tapestry of stories, pictures, and odd collectibles for him to share with family over the years. Upon completing his service, he moved back to San Francisco and worked as a general contractor for decades. He also moonlighted as an expert connoisseur of San Francisco’s sites and treasures and regaled family and friends with his own unique tour of the city that included key locations from “Dirty Harry” movies and other places that he found interesting. He knew the city like no other! Paul was a hot rodder/grease monkey, an avid cyclist (often hopping on his bike in construction work clothes at the end of the workday), and a prolific walker. He was well known for holding court at United Liquors daily for many years. It was his “Cheers” where he connected with friends, stopped in for coffee (not liquor), and bought candy for his grandkids with coins he let them fish out of fountains after force-marching them through the Presidio for many entertaining hours.

He was one-of-a-kind, a most special man with an irreverent sense of humor, a great collection of witty T-shirts, and a full head of fluffy white hair to the end that earned him the moniker “the Wolfman” from his son’s friends! He accepted people for who they were, encouraged his kids and grandkids to do their best and appreciate the little things in life, and loved to share memorable stories. He frequently reminded us all to “never ruin a good story with the truth” and often quipped “How should I know?” when pressed for details. He loved roadsters, movies, survival stories, free samples (in fact anything that was free), his truck, Lake Tahoe, being outside in the sun, and his friends and family. Paul poured his heart and soul into being a wonderful dad and grandpa! His smile, his “grumpy old man” facial expressions, and funny commentary, delighted us and the many loving people that knew and helped care for him in his final years.

Paul is preceded in death by his wife Maria Gallo DeMartini and is survived by his sister Claire and his children and their families: daughter Christina Reyes, son-in-law Todd and grandsons Dominic and Matteo; and son Paul C. DeMartini, daughter-in-law Christina, grandson Christian and granddaughters Katie and Emily.

For those wishing to honor his memory with a donation we ask that you contribute to either the Wounded Warrior Project, The League to Save Lake Tahoe, or the Alzheimer’s Association, in Paul’s name.