Omar Martinez Rosell

In Loving Memory of Martinez Rosell Omar "MARKOS"

It is with great sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Omar (Markos) Martinez Rosell, on December 31, 2022 in the city of Toronto. Omar is survived by his wife, Litsa (née Karaventza), his children, Alexander, Eva and Liam, his sister-in-law, Sister Makrina (St. Kosmas Aitolos Greek Orthodox Holy Monastery), his mother, Juana Rosell Aldama, his brothers, Roberto (Elizabeth) and Ivan, his sisters, Janet, Yusleidys and Mirelys, and his nephews and nieces in Cuba, America and Spain. He is predeceased by his father, Roberto Roman Martinez Inerariti.

Omar was born in Havana in 1971. He was a child prodigy, and he graduated from Cuba’s finest arts institutions. With his talent, he managed to find opportunities abroad, and came to Canada in 1998 for a working visit, where he met his beloved wife to be. Returning to Cuba shortly thereafter, he emigrated to Canada in 1999, and was united in marriage to Litsa in the summer of 2002, at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Scarborough.

His musical achievements cover many areas of the profession, including performance, recording, musical score composition, song writing and production. Omar was an accomplished musician on the international stage, and his career brought him to world class venues in South America, Europe and Asia. He collaborated with famous artists including Buena Vista Social Club and Justin Bieber, and with esteemed Cuban artists. He recorded bass for Universal, Warner Bros., BMG and EMI.

Most importantly, Omar was a devoted and loving father to Alex, Eva and Liam. His children were his life, spending every spare moment nurturing them, teaching them baseball, soccer, basketball, chess, guitar. He fostered in his children the value of life, of kindness, and brought them back to Cuba to share with them his roots, and hard-earned lessons of poverty and striving, the overcoming of adversity.
He had many friends and loved ones, and lovingly called his wife’s parents as mother and father in Greek, with great affection. He had a smile that lit up the room, and radiated life and love. Omar will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, the Martinez Family would appreciate donations in trust for their children. All expressions of sympathy and your presence will be cherished. https://gofund.me/bc9e0bc3

Funeral Service:
Saturday January 7, 2023
12.30 pm
St. Johns the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
1385 Warden Ave., Scarborough, ON M1R 2S3

Interment, Elgin Mills Cemetery

May his memory be eternal  ❤