Alberto Martinez

Alberto Martinez was born in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico on September 17, 1936.  He married Maria Ovalle on August 18, 1957.  They were married 54 years until Maria’s death in 2011.  Alberto had immigrated to Chicago Heights, Illinois in the 50’s to work for the Ford Motor Company.  Later his wife, Maria, joined him in Chicago Heights and together they had and raised seven children.  Around 1967 they purchased a home in South Chicago Heights, Illinois.

Alberto was a member of the UAW and worked for Ford for over 40 years and finally retired in his late 70’s from his position.  Alberto loved music and dancing and was instrumental in arranging for Mexican bands to perform at the local UAW hall in Ford Heights.  Mexican dances for local Mexican immigrants was popular and Alberto was able to bring in some well-known Mexican artists to perform.  Later, Alberto helped coordinate local celebrations of Mexican Independence Day. Alberto also loved working on cars, traveling, and watching the Cubbies.  After retirement Alberto enjoyed spending time visiting with his grandchildren, relatives and friends.

Beloved husband of the late Maria Martinez, nee Ovalle. Loving father of Margarita (Mike) Martinez-D’Andrea, Veronica Martinez, Alberto Jr (Maureen Blair) Martinez, Hector (Robert Proctor) Martinez, Lucio (Mariann) Martinez, David Martinez, and Michael (Marisol) Martinez. Cherished grandfather of Alex, A.J., Christina, Jesse, and Yianni. Great grandfather of Ella, Jamison, and Benjamin. Alberto was preceded in death by his parents; Margarito and Consuelo Martinez, and two sisters; Amparo, and Rosamartha.

Visitation, Tuesday, July 14, 2020 from 3;00 – 8:00 pm at, Smits, Steger Memorial Chapel 3045 Chicago Rd Steger, IL. Due to Covid-19 the Funeral Mass will be for immediate family only and masks must be worn, on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 10:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Church 206 E 25th St, Chicago Heights, IL 60411. Interment at Calvary Cemetery – Steger, IL. For more information, or to leave a message of condolence for the family visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com .