Tiburcio Martinez Obituary (2023)

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Tiburcio Antonio Martínez Benavides, better known as Tony or “Bucho” to many who loved him. Tony was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son. He passed away at his home on August 12th, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, strength, and love for his family. Tony was born in Comales, Tamaulipas, Mexico to Félix and Demetria Martínez on June 13th, 1942. From an early age he worked alongside his father bringing electricity to homes in Rio Bravo and the surrounding communities. Tony was a brilliant student, served as a soldier in the Mexican army after high school, and later earned a certificate in accounting. He immigrated to the United States in the late 1960s at the age of 26, living in Texas and later moving to Waukegan, Illinois. Tony was a firm believer in hard work, dedicating 44 years at Goelitz Confections (Jelly Belly), applying his knowledge in electrical engineering, of which he was immensely proud. There, on January 3rd, 1973 he met the love of his life, the beautiful kind-hearted Laureen Iverson, on her first day of work at Goelitz. She told him to smile, and the rest was history. They were married on February 21st, 1975 and welcomed two beautiful daughters, Alicea in 1977, and Mary in 1980. They built their family home in the fall of 1983 in Waukegan, Illinois, where they welcomed their third baby girl, Anna in 1988. He had a soft spot for animals and especially loved his dogs, Becky, Jasmine, Daisy, and Koya. Tony loved baseball, basketball and football. He was a Chicago sports fan through and through, attending countless Cubs, Bulls and Bears games with his family and his best friend, Reuben. He was overjoyed to witness the Cubs finally win the World Series in his lifetime. Tony enjoyed playing on the Jelly Belly softball team, and bowling with his wife and friends from work. Tony always shared his love for Mexico with his family, planning yearly vacations to his childhood home in Rio Bravo. There, they’d spend time with their abuelos, tias, tios, and cousins; swim in the ocean at Padre Island, watch old black and white movies together, and take long walks through town. Mexico always had a special place in his heart. Tony became a U.S. citizen in 2010, a proud Mexican American. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, daughters and grandkids, tinkering in his garage, listening to his favorite ranchera and mariachi music, riding his Craftsman lawnmower, and enjoying a cool beer with his brother, Victor. Tony is preceded in death by his parents Felix Martínez Loera and Demetria Benavides Martínez and his brother, Hiram. He is survived by wife, Laureen C. Martínez; his daughters, Alicea M. Martínez, Mary E. McElmury (Brandon), Anna C. Martínez-Hume (Dustin); His five grandchildren, Liliana, Jade, Justice, Vanessa, and Félix; and his siblings, Yadira, Omar, Homero, Nydia, Victor, and Ruth. Tony will be dearly missed, always remembered, and forever loved. Visitation and service for Tony will be held at Peterson & Patch Funeral Home on Friday, August 18th, 2023 from 5:00-8:00 pm. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm, with a family held service from 7:00-8:00 pm. Memorials and donations can be made in honor of Tony to the immediate family. Please sign our online guestbook at www.waukeganfunerals.com.