Obituary of Robert Martin

Martin, Robert Leo Age 69, died Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at his home, after fighting a brave battle with cancer. Born on February 19, 1941 in Freeport, IL to Leon and Mary Olidine Martin. His family moved to Joliet in 1944. He attended St. Patrick Grade School and Joliet Catholic High School, graduating with the Class of 1959. A member of the United States Army Reserves. Bob married Jean (Stephen) on April 15, 1961, and they lived in Joliet until they built a new home in Minooka moving there 1984. Bob became a salesman at a young age, helping his father sell sewing machines and later worked as a salesman for Sears Roebuck, before moving on to selling cars. He worked for Vidmar Buick and other local dealers for many years, before founding Bob Martin Auto Sales in 1977. His son, Jim, joined the business in 1982. Jim and Bob worked together for many years, until Bob semi-retired to spend time working at home, and with his grandchildren. Bob took pride in his yard and landscaping, and spent many hours mowing grass, and planting trees and flowers. He enjoyed fishing, and took an annual fishing trip to Minnesota. Bob and his wife Jean enjoyed spending time at their second home in Marco Island, FL and their winter vacations in Puerto Rico. This love of travel was shared with granddaughter, Sarah, who accompanied them on many trips. Bob shared a birthday with granddaughter Danielle, these birthday buddies celebrated together every year. Bob's love of animals, especially horses and dogs, was shared by his granddaughter, Katie. The two of them spent many hours together in the barn, and at horse shows. Bob was a caring and loving man to his wife, son and family, and will be deeply missed by all of us. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Jean; son, James (Pamela) of Minooka; granddaughters, Danielle of Plainfield, Sarah and Katherine Martin of Minooka; great-granddaughter, Stephanie Ciechanski of Plainfield; two sisters, Joann (Dick) Crowther of Ft. Meyers, FL and Linda Welsh of Tinley Park; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him. Preceded in death by his parents, special uncle, Ray O'Connor; special aunt, Patricia O'Connor; and great-grandson, Ted Robert Ciechanski III. Funeral Services for Robert Martin will be Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. from the funeral home to St. Mary Catholic Church, Minooka for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Interment St. Mary Cemetery, Minooka. In lieu of flowers, donations to Joliet Area Community Hospice or St. Mary's Church Building Fund would be appreciated. Visitation Monday 2-8 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500