Christopher Tino DeMartino Obituary: Former Soho House Wellness Leader Passes Away Tragically

California: Friends, colleagues, and loved ones are mourning the reported passing of Christopher “Tino” DeMartino, a former Soho House wellness leader remembered for his warmth, energy, and ability to bring people together. Tributes have spread across social media since the news was shared publicly.

A Family Announcement

The news was shared in a Facebook post by Jason Mitchell Kahn, who wrote that those close to Tino were moved by the messages of love that followed. The post said loved ones are carefully planning a celebration of life “worthy of the light Tino was,” with details to be shared as they come together.

No cause of death or other circumstances had been made public at the time of writing.

The post also captured Tino’s personality. It said he would want people to laugh, dance under disco balls, and celebrate, and it noted with humor that he embraced all pronouns. Friends were invited to “hold him/her/they close” until the celebration is announced.

An Outpouring of Tributes

The comment section filled quickly with messages from friends, former coworkers, and acquaintances across different chapters of Tino’s life. Many described the same qualities: a contagious, joyful spirit and a rare ability to make an ordinary moment feel special.

One commenter said Tino turned dull nights into memorable ones, calling the loss that of a “lighthouse.” Another wrote that she felt she had fallen in love with Tino within minutes of meeting him, and recalled how warmly he spoke of his friendship with Jason. A friend from his New York days said he could still picture Tino dancing around the city, while another described him as a “magical unicorn” and said it was an honor to have been in his orbit.

Others reached back further. A longtime friend wrote that anyone could tell from the first meeting that Tino was going to be something spectacular. A former colleague from the early days of a shared workplace sent love to the “OG worker bees” who still hold a special place in their hearts. One commenter recalled knowing Tino from Rue57, the New York restaurant, and expressed shock at the news.

Even people who knew Tino only briefly said the impression lasted. One person described passing him on the street years ago and still remembering the “spark of energy” of his presence.

Remembered for Connection

Across the messages, a common thread emerged: Tino was a connector. Friends described a magnetic personality that pulled people together, and several said that while they are grieving, they are also grateful for the time they spent near his “warm flame.”

The tone of the tributes has been one of both sorrow and celebration, which matches the spirit of the family’s message. Rather than a somber farewell, loved ones say they hope to honor Tino with music, laughter, and dancing.

What Comes Next

Details of the celebration of life, including date and location, have not yet been announced. Friends and family have said they will share updates on Facebook as plans are finalized.

For now, the wave of remembrances offers a portrait of someone who left a lasting mark on the people around him. As one friend put it, the world has lost a bright light, and those who knew Tino say they intend to keep that light alive.