Sean DeMartino

Robert Sean DeMartino, 56, passed away suddenly in Orlando, Florida, on Friday, May 22, 2026. Though his passing came far too soon, Sean lived a life of extraordinary energy, purpose, and generosity. He was a devoted husband, proud father, respected builder, and friend whose presence left a mark everywhere he went. To those who loved him, he was larger than life. A man of enormous spirit, deep loyalty, and a heart that never did anything halfway.

Sean was born on September 12, 1969, and grew up in Miramar, Florida, surrounded by family, lifelong friends, and the state he would love for the rest of his life. He graduated from Miramar High School in 1987, where he was an outstanding student, a strong athlete, and a natural leader, all of which earned him an appointment to United States Military Academy, West Point. Sean ultimately chose the path that would lead him to the University of Florida, where he would find one of the great communities of his life.

At UF, Sean earned his degree in Construction Management in 1992 and formed relationships that would shape the rest of his life. He was a true Florida Gator, one of those who bled orange and blue. He was a proud brother of ΑΤΩ Fraternity, where he built meaningful memories. It was also at UF that Sean began his lifelong relationship with the Rinker School of Construction Management, a community he supported for decades. He remained deeply involved with the school over the years and proudly served as Vice President of its Industry Advisory Board, giving back to the institution and the profession that had given so much to him. Sean cherished the University of Florida, and he poured himself into helping the next generation of builders find their way. That same generous spirit carried into many charitable causes he supported throughout his life.

Sean began his career at Centex-Rooney Construction, starting as an intern and quickly distinguishing himself through his talent, standards, and command of the work. He rose through the ranks to lead the Florida operation after the company became part of Balfour Beatty, with his work taking him around the world and putting down especially deep roots in Orlando and Tampa. He later joined Coastal Construction before becoming General Manager of Central Florida for Suffolk Construction, a role he embraced with tremendous enthusiasm. Even in his short time there, he had found a team and leadership culture he deeply respected, and he was excited to help lead it into the future.

Throughout his career, Sean built a reputation as an exceptional leader, mentor, and builder of both projects and people. Those who worked with him described him in the same terms again and again: “larger than life, a commanding presence, a vital spirit, a true leader”. He challenged people to be the best version of themselves and somehow made them want to rise to it. He was beloved throughout the construction community, with many crediting him for helping them grow their businesses and create opportunities they otherwise would never have had. He was a builder, a mentor, a friend, and to those who knew him best, a BMF.

For all of his professional success, Sean's greatest pride was always his family. He was the devoted husband of Jacklyn Renee DeMartino. He was the immensely proud father of four children. Robert Marius DeMartino, 22, and Christina Nicole DeMartino, 18, his children with Nina DeMartino, were the children who first made him a father, two young adults stepping into the world with the foundation he had spent their whole lives helping to build. Marius and Nicole were a constant source of pride for Sean, and he celebrated who they were becoming and championed their paths. With Jacklyn, he built a beautiful home centered on their two daughters, Sofia Renee DeMartino, age 5, and Marley Grace DeMartino, 10 months. To Sofia and Marley, Sean was the world. He adored them completely, and the joy he found in being their dad shone out of him whenever he spoke about them. Building a great life for his family was the work he was proudest of, and his love for them was unmistakable to everyone who knew him.

Sean loved sharing adventures with friends and family, and he was proud to have earned his fixed-wing pilot's license. The Florida Keys, the Gulf Coast, Staniel Cay, Hawaii, Montana, Jackson Hole, Maryland, and California were just a few of the places he loved to fly, ride, and boat. Sean was obsessed with live music, especially the Grateful Dead, and chased the songs wherever they took him. The music transformed him, and the friendships he forged along the way were some of the most meaningful of his life.

He was preceded in death by his father, Brien Robert DeMartino, and his mother, Betty Jane Wendt. He is lovingly remembered by his stepmother, Patrice DeMartino; his brothers, Brien DeMartino, Russell DeMartino, and John Kyle DeMartino; and his sister, Chelsea DeMartino. His nieces and nephews include Dana DeMartino, Jana DeMartino, Bailey Gonzalez, Carsyn Tippett, Cooper Shotwell, River Shotwell, and Rylie Shotwell.

Sean was one of those rare people whose presence made life brighter, louder, and more alive. He brought strength, joy, and loyalty to every room, every friendship, and every chapter of his life.

He was relentless in the pursuit of his passions, in his standards, and in the way he showed up for the people he loved. Surrounded by Jacklyn, his four children, his two dogs, his family and friends, the music he loved, and the adventures he chased without apology, Sean was the happiest and most fulfilled he had ever been. He was taken from this world far too soon, but the spirit that defined him will live on in every person he loved and lifted.

Celebration of Sean's life will be held at Armature Works Gathering and Social Room, 1910 N. Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, on May 31, 2026, from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm.

A visitation will be held at Grace Family Church - Lutz, 5101 Van Dyke Rd, Lutz, FL 33558, US, on June 4, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Funeral Service at the same location on June 4, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend both gatherings. The Celebration of Life will offer a relaxed, welcoming space to share memories and enjoy one another’s company, while the service will provide a more formal setting for reflection and mourning.