Robert Martis

COAL CITY—Robert D. Martis “Bob”, 87, of Coal City, passed away Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Morris Hospital.
Born Nov. 4, 1930 in Central City, Robert Dale was a son of Andrew and Anna (Papach) Martis. Bob was raised in Central City and educated in Gardner, graduating from Gardner South Wilmington High School.
Following graduation, Bob entered into the United States Army, where he honorably served overseas during the Korean Conflict. Upon his discharge, he continued his education at Illinois State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Education.
On June 13, 1954, Bob married Delores “Sis” Ulivi in Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City, and together they made their home and raised their family in Coal City.
Following college, Bob initially took a teaching position with Wilmington High School, where he taught math. He later went to work for the family business, Ulivi Brothers Furniture, which he took over until his retirement. Bob always enjoyed working outside, and following his retirement Bob enjoyed cutting grass at the Coal City Area Club.
Bob was a member of the Coal City School Board, where he served as past president; was a former active member of the Coal City Lions Club; belonged to both Coal City Area Club, as well as the Braidwood Recreation Club, and was a parishioner of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Coal City.
He took pleasure in golfing, and enjoyed traveling both domestic and abroad. He was a fan of both the Chicago Cubs and Bears, however his greatest hobby was Coal City sports, and he will be remembered as one of the Coalers greatest fans.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Delores “Sis” Martis; children: Debbie (Shorty) Fatlan of Diamond and Allen (Lisa) Martis, Brian (Dawn) Martis, Cathy (Greg) Lyons and Carol (Terry) Halliday, all of Coal City; grandchildren: Amy (John) Kelly of Mazon, Missy (Scott) Kramer of Goose Lake, Brock Martis (Kristy) of Coal City, Ben (Felicia) Lyons of New Lenox, Jaime (Mike) Frazier and Jena Martis (Kyle), both of Diamond, and Luke Lyons (Nikki), Brittany Halliday, Emily Halliday and Maddie Halliday, all of Coal City; six great grandchildren: Amelia, Tucker, Leo, Robert John "R.J.", Stellan and Vincent, with another expected and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Leonard (Elizabeth “Toots”) Martis and Elmer (Marge) Martis, and one sister, Barbara (Lou) Marketti.
The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 N. Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City on Friday, July 27, 2018 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., and again on Saturday morning, July 28, 2018 at Assumption Catholic Church, 215 S. Kankakee Street in Coal City from 10 a.m. until time of funeral services 11 a.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Robert Noesen officiating. A Memorial luncheon will immediately follow the services, and a private family burial with full military honors will be held in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date.
Pallbearers will be: Brock Martis, Ben Lyons, Luke Lyons, John Kelly, Scott Kramer and Kyle Nowicki.
Preferred memorials may be made The Coal City Unit #1 Foundation for an athletic scholarship, which be extended in Bob’s memory.
Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Bob’s memorial page on social media by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com/notices/Robert-Martis
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City.