Obituaries
4
trees
planted in memory of Jeffery Joseph Martin
Obituary for Jeffery Joseph Martin
Jeffery Joseph Martin: Jeff, My honey, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, friend, passed away on March 2, 2023, at the age of 80 years young in Peoria, IL at his home surrounded daily by his loving wife, Rosalind Martin, bride of 60 years; his 9 adoring children, 37 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Jeff passed from this life to his eternal resting place in heaven with our Lord from a short battle with cancer. Jeff, a man of devotion, not only to his bride and children, but to his Catholic faith as well. Jeff touched and inspired many lives to love as the Lord loved us.
Jeff was born in Erie, PA on April 26, 1942 to Helen and Joseph Martin. He was the fourth of nine children. His love of golf was passed on to him from his father, Joe. He relished in skipping school to hitchhike to the golf course where he caddied until the sun went down. Some nights, after listening to his sisters do their cheerleading in the kitchen where they were supposed to be washing the dishes, he would grab the garbage and sneak out the back door to enjoy his teenage years, gathering with his friends to sing the latest popular songs. Jeff loved to sing. He would hear a word that would remind him of a song and he would break out in a wonderful melody bringing joy to all. Not only did Jeff sing but he was often caught cutting a rug, a skill also inspired by his parents, Helen and Joe.
He met Roz at Mount Carmel High School, an all boys Catholic School, in Los Angeles, CA. Roz and a friend were auditioning for the Mount Carmel school play. Jeff and his best friend were immediately smitten with Roz and her friend. They tossed a coin to see who would get to take Roz out and Jeff won! And boy, did he win! With a marriage proposal a short year later, Jeff and Roz were married on December 29, 1962, thus beginning their family of nine, just like his parents.
Jeff began business school studies at UCLA and eventually graduated from Long Beach State University with a degree in computer science working for McDonnell Douglas, all the while raising 7 children with 2 more to come. (Saving the best for last.) Jeff and Roz migrated to Peoria, IL to further Jeff’s career and shortly after moved on to Omaha, NE where he worked for St. Joseph Hospital for 12 years and further dedicated his life to Christ and family.
In Omaha, Jeff and Roz, passionate Catholics, proudly sent their 8 children, 2 nieces, and 2 nephews to Catholic School and immersed the family in faith, love, and hospitality. Jeff was adamant that if someone was in need he could turn to God and God would provide. Through this faith in the Lord, Jeff was able to support and love many people within his family and outside of it too.
He, along with Roz, cherished his time with the Teens Encounter Christ and Cursillo retreats, where they showed young Catholics the power of prayer and family. Jeff and Roz led many talks about Marriage and Faith and shared the gift of commitment to the Lord to thousands of people. Jeff served the Lord by serving others and passed this gift along to his children and taught anyone that was near, the power of faith and love are the ultimate path to happiness.
Jeff listened to our Lord Jesus in every decision he made. He heard his calling to lead his family once again to Peoria, IL in 1988 where he became the Chief Information Officer for the Sisters of the Third Order at St. Francis Hospital, a very proud time of his life. Jeff always trusted in God to provide the way for his family. In Peoria, Jeff’s family continued on with one more blessing of a ninth child. All along the way, Jeff was faithful and a wise inspiration to his children as a coach, cheerleader, chauffeur, driver’s education instructor, and servant of God. Jeff opened his home as a safe haven to many people in need.
He continued his love of golf and passed this love on to many of his children. Jeff loved a good breakfast and often was found singing the oldies but goodies at his breakfast griddle while serving up Krusteaz pancakes, crispy bacon, and the best over easy eggs anyone could ask for. Jeff couldn’t help being surrounded by his family celebrating life’s many gifts. A Jeff Martin gathering entailed amazing food cooked by his bride of 60 years, Hollywood Poker games, LCR, Martin’s got talent, and long winded stories followed by hours of laughter. Jeff couldn’t have been prouder of the family he created and if ever he grumbled about gatherings getting too loud, he would be reminded that it was “All His Fault.”
Jeff is survived by his devoted, loving bride of 60 years, Rosalind (Barbari) Martin, 6 sons, 3 daughters, 37 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.
Gregory and wife Michelle Martin, parents to Jeff, his wife Jackie and child Dean Danger; Mathew and his child Emma; and Ben.
Helen and husband Tony Pynes, parents to Abigale, her children Vincent, Elliot and Evelyn; Anthony and his wife D’Anna.
Joseph and wife Kim Martin, parents to Daniel, Rosa, Michael, Anthony, Leo, Kinsley, and Katie.
Paul and wife Micki Martin, parents to Caroline, Thomas, and Jim.
Brian and wife Jennifer Bartlett Martin, parents to Manoela, Deborah, Elena, and Allegra.
Linda and husband Shawn McDaniel, parents to Aliex, her husband Shaun Henry and children Charlotte and Margaret, Katrina and fiancé Trent, Joshua, Shawn Ryan, Declan and his partner Fayy and children Brooklynn and London, and Gillian.
Sean and wife Stacy Martin, parents to Isaiah, Emiliana, Felicity, Luke, Hannah, and Lucy.
Judy and partner Jeremy Ellis, parents to Sofia, Nikolaus, and Ian.
Christopher and wife Samantha Martin, parents to Hazel Rose and baby girl Martin.
Jeff is survived by his three brothers, David, Michael, and Peter and wife Karen; brother in law, Bob, and 4 sisters, Judy and husband Ben, Jane and husband Nobel, Mary and husband Ted; and Meg and husband John.
He is preceded in Death by his parents, Joseph and Helen (Buettner) Martin, his sister, Cathy (Martin) DeYoung, 2 sister in laws, Rita Martin and Kathy Martin, and his very special nephew, Johnny Strange.
Visitation will be held on Friday. March 10, 2023 at St. Vincent de Paul from 9:30 AM until time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Recitation of the rosary will be held at 9:00 AM. Fr. Stephen Willard will officiate and burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery in Peoria. A luncheon will be served from 1-3:30 at Knights of Columbus Hall, 7403 N. Radnor, Peoria, IL 61615, 309-692-9696.
Preferred memorials in Jeff's memory may be made to Ernie ELS, ELS for Autism.
Funeral arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Wright & Salmon Mortuary. (309-688-4441)
A block of rooms is being held under, “Jeff Martin Funeral”
Holiday Inn & Suites, Peoria at Grand Prairie
7601 North Orange Prairie Road, Peoria, IL 61615
As if Pope Francis knew Jeff, he said “The Saints give us a message. They tell us: trust in the Lord because the Lord does not disappoint! He never disappoints, he is a good friend always at our side.” - Pope Francis. Jeff trusted in our Lord and not only was good friends with the Lord, he was good friends with anyone he came in contact with. Jeff will always be at our side.
Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
10
Mar
9:30 AM
- 11:00 AM
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
6001 N University St
Peoria, IL 61614
Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 9:00 AM
Funeral Mass
Friday
10
Mar
11:00 AM
- 12:00 PM
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
6001 N University St
Peoria, IL 61614
Cemetery Details
Location
Resurrection Cemetery & Mausoleum
7519 N Allen Rd
Peoria, IL 61614
Memorial Contribution
Ernie Els for Autism
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