Luis Santos Martinez

Luis “Pilincho” Santos Martinez, 71, of Dover, DE, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 12th, 2025, after a long battle with dementia.

Luis was born on December 8th, 1953, to Aurelio Santos and Bienvenida Martinez in Naguabo, Puerto Rico. He was one of 14 children. He grew up in Rio Blanco, Puerto Rico at the foot of El Yunque Rain Forest.

In 1975, Luis moved to Connecticut for a short time, where his oldest daughter, Madelyn, was born. Luis came to Delaware in 1977, with his oldest brother, to work on Papen Farms. He settled into Delaware permanently in 1979, where his twin daughters Justine and Elaina would be born 10 years later. After leaving Papen Farms, he worked for Corinthian Pools, General Metalcraft, and Chimes at DAFB. Luis was also self-employed at his “Lawn’s by Luis” lawn-mowing business.

 If he wasn’t working, he was sure to be somewhere where he was the life of the party and having a good time! Luis was an exceptional Billiards player, whether he was out playing with friends, or in the basement with his family. He enjoyed most outdoor activities, from barbecuing and swimming to yardwork and hunting. If good music was playing, he was sure to be seen dancing.

  Luis is preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, granddaughter, and great-grandson.  Luis is Survived by his companion of 20 years, Brenda Boylan. He is also survived by his children Madelyn Santos of Puerto Rico, Justine Mickles (Julius) of Harrington, Elaina Martinez (Nancie) of Camden – Wyoming, and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Luis has touched are invited to Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Ave. Wyoming, Delaware from 10am-12pm on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025, for a Viewing/Visitation. Graveyard services will follow at 12:30pm at Sharon Hills Memorial Park 2928 Sharon Hill Rd, Dover, DE 19904 for anyone who would like to attend.

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