Patrick ‘Rick’ Martinec

The Brown and Martinec families are heartbroken to share the news of the sudden loss of our beloved Patrick “Rick” Martinec who passed unexpectedly while on vacation in Florida on March 4th, 2023.

Rick was born to Donald Michael and Mary Alice Martinec on August 4, 1961

in Youngstown, Ohio. Rick graduated from Joseph Badger High School in Kinsman, Ohio. He served as an altar boy at St. Patrick’s Church.

Rick discovered he had a gift for artwork when he was a young boy.  His graphic art and design work, especially his sci-fi comic book sketches, garnered Rick, a self-described, very shy person, the attention and friends he needed.

Rick loved to play the drums. He was in his high school band and continued to play and study the drums throughout his life.  He was always fascinated by turtles and had a pet turtle named Dominic for many years.

After graduating from Youngstown State University with a degree in graphic arts

Rick set off to pursue his dreams. Rick left Ohio and moved to Lenox MA to teach photography at a summer camp. Rick landed a graphic arts job in Boston Massachusetts. It was the beginning of his illustrious career.

Rick was a talented graphic artist who worked for the Community Newspaper

Company, Boston Globe and New England Village media, in addition to freelance and contracted work. In 2012 Community Newspaper’s graphics department was outsourced and he was laid off. He took that period to increase his skills set in a variety of courses including Web Design, Toastmaster’s Club and advanced IT trainings. Rick’s web and graphic talents then led to a position as Print and Interactive Media Designer for the Boston Globe, where he continued to work until his retirement.

Rick loved learning new things, meeting new people, and having adventures. He loved the outdoors, hiking, cycling, kayaking and finding adventure wherever he lived. An avid biker, he went on two extended bicycle trips with his sister, Mary Beth, in Montana.

He was the epitome of a Do-It-Yourselfer, never afraid to tackle mechanics, construction, furniture design and any challenge that came his way. He was always seeking self-improvement and was incredibly self-disciplined. While learning Spanish, he set up a weekly virtual meeting with Javier Martinez from Mexico so he could practice speaking in real time, and they developed a long-distance friendship.  Rick’s patience and compassion with others were hallmarks of his persona. He was known for his ability to listen with genuine curiosity and for his interest in any story.  He always helped people feel welcome and accepted with his patience and lack of judgement.

Rick met Maggi during an AMC whitewater kayaking course where he was a volunteer instructor. They married in 1999 at an outdoor ceremony at the DCR Blue Hills Reservation were Maggi worked for over 30 years. They made their home in the Irish clan’s family homestead in Weymouth.

Rick and Maggi’s marriage was a true partnership marked by mutual love and respect and a dedication to sharing that love with all who knew them.  Rick could often be seen at the many DCR events Maggi organized, quietly making sure things were going smoothly, and assisting the staff in any way possible.  Rick also donated his layout and design skills for numerous DCR park projects including park brochures, Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center exhibits, and media for the Blue Hills Trail Watch Volunteer program. His humorous caricatures brightened many a birthday celebration as special gifts for friends.

He and Maggi traveled extensively, including Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Norway, Ireland and most states across the U.S.  Just prior to his death, he and Maggi were celebrating their retirement on a month-long adventure along the East Coast and Florida.

He is survived by his beloved wife Maggi Brown, dearly loved sisters, Mary Beth Martinec (Dan Carty), Elaine Carabin, her son, Rick’s nephew and godson, Andrew, his brothers-in-law Richard Brown (Laura Jackson) and C. Mark Brown. Nephews and nieces Blake, Aurora, Eric, Shawn, Liza, Amanda, Molly, Tim, and Sam. Extended family Cheryl, Helena, Emily, Cathy and Betty. Treasured family friend Denise Morrissey.  Rick had many grand nieces and nephews who knew and loved him dearly. Over his life Rick created connections with many more beloved family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother Donald M. Martinec Jr.

He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Friday, March 31st from 4-7 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home NORTH WEYMOUTH at 40 Sea Street (off Route 3A – Bicknell Square). A Funeral Mass will be held in St. Jerome Church, Weymouth at 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 1st, followed by a light luncheon reception at St. Paula’s Hall below the church. The Mass shall be live streamed at CatholicWeymouth.org and click on F (Facebook) in the upper right corner. Donations in memory of Rick may be made to New England Village via mail at 664 School Street, Pembroke, MA 02359 or online at https://newenglandvillage.org