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Martin O'Toole Obituary
Born in the Chicago metro area, he graduated from St. Viator's High School in Arlington Heights, IL. He furthered his education with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from St. Mary's College in Minnesota, and received his Juris Doctorate from Catholic University in Washington, DC. Marty's excitement for political science brought him to Capitol Hill to work for Senator Tom Harkin. He later returned to the Chicago area, became a member of the Illinois Bar, and worked in the Appellate Court division of the Public Defender's Office. A few years later, Marty realized his dream of entertainment and music law in Los Angeles. His 30-year law practice also included civil litigation, criminal defense and appeal, as well as intellectual property-winning cases in Federal District Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Marty's devotion to serve those who could not afford counsel and his passion to share his knowledge with students will be deeply missed across the Los Angeles metroplex. In addition to teaching music related law courses at Musicians Institute, he also collaborated with Pepperdine University in Moot Court events, delivered seminars at UCLA, and taught lessons in argument building with high school students at Verbum Dei and Blessed Sacrament.
Above all, Marty cherished life. He lived his days as a formidable fighter for truth, justice, and honor, but delighted most in the gift of human connection.
Marty is the son of Martin Francis and Mary Lou nee Coman O'Toole; brother of Colleen (Russ) Wolf, Moira (Ken) Shultz, Dan (Victoria) O'Toole, Sharon O'Toole, Mary Lou (Mark) Tull; uncle of Nicole (Jeff) Windsor, Kelly and Jacob Wolf, Dan (Lisa) Shultz, Tom Shultz, Connor and Brendan McPherson, Anabel and Lila O'Toole and Morgan Tull; great uncle of Jace and Tyler Windsor. Grandson of the late Martin and the late Bridget O'Toole and the late Honorable Daniel J. Coman and the late Marge "Sis" Coman; Nephew and Godson of Eileen O'Brien and late Mary Hield; nephew of the late Honorable Daniel P. Coman and the late George Coman.
The Mass for Marty will be Saturday, November 16th at 10:00 A.M. at Christ the Servant Church, 8700 Havens, Woodridge, IL 60517.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martin O'Toole
Kathy Ireland
May 14, 2025
MIss you, Marty...
S. Michael Ansari
September 3, 2023
Shocked to learn of Marty's passing. We drifted apart over the years but early 90s we enjoyed a rich friendship & some intense basketball matches. Fiercely competitive as he was dogged in his principles. They were years he struggled financially but it never seemed to temper his indomitable spirit
Fantastically humorous with an infectious laugh - 100% Irish: I can still hear him saying it to me with an exaggerated Irish accent
I met him on a basketball court where I repeatedly beat him to the bucket and anyone who knows Marty will know how incensed he'd get & determined to turn the tables. This went on until he could barely move.
Anyone this committed must be an interesting person and of course he was. Loved how he challenged everything
I learned a lot with you and I treasured our friendship over the years. Rest in peace my friend
Bro
July 17, 2021
Love you.
Alein Cervantes
December 26, 2020
Alein Cervantes
December 26, 2020
Alein Cervantes
December 26, 2020
I met Marty at the Compton courthouse in California. We instantly became good friends and would occasionally meet up to catch up and chat. He taught me a lot and was an inspiration.
Damian Chapa
December 29, 2019
My Name is Damian Chapa filmmaker , I filmed Marty in his office when he was in Century City. He was also my attorney. He helped my family on many occasions. Marty always made me laugh. I used to say to him he was the most ethical attorney I ever met. He had a way of making people smile and had a great sense of honor. I respected him and loved him as a friend. Its rare to say to a lawyer have a good day brother. I am in shock, he was so young. It brings tears to my eyes. I always called him "Irish" :))) If anyone deserves to be in heaven it is him. He always helped people even when they did not have enough. He was the most ethical man I ever met. I am totally so sorry for the family. Know that he will be missed. God bless you Marty
Eileen Urbanski
November 17, 2019
Dear Colleen and family my thoughts and prayers are with you all I am so sorry for your loss - Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen
Laura (Ernst) Kremer
November 17, 2019
I am so, so very sorry to hear this news. My mom just sent us this obituary notice. I have many memories of Marty being at home while Sharon, Mary Lou, Carolyn, and I played, had lemonade stands, and sang in the basement. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Much love.
Mary McMahan
November 15, 2019
Our sincere sympathies to dear Uncle Marty and Aunt Mary Lou and my dear cousins and their families.
Terese Hield
November 13, 2019
Remembering Marty from when we were children. He was my cousin. Grew into a man who loved his profession. Although he lived a distance from us , he was and will always be close to my heart. Marty, may you Rest in Peace.
Dan Johnston
November 13, 2019
I remember the O'Toole family from the time they lived on Green Acres. Marty was always friendly and willing to shoot hoops with me. About 10 years ago, he stopped by my parents house to visit and see how everyone was doing. He was that kind of guy, thoughtful to go out of his way even after being out of the neighborhood for 25 years. My deepest condolences to the family, may you find peace.
November 13, 2019
November 13, 2019
November 12, 2019
Bobby Borg
November 12, 2019
Marty was a neighbor, colleague, and friend.
CHERYL KETTLER
November 12, 2019
A classmate of ours from Catholic University Law School, Michael Levine, just gave me the news Marty had passed. I last heard from Marty in 2017. He ran across my name and sent me an email to connect me to Dan Bane (also class of '88), too. Marty was a bright light of a person. The world needs more like him. Cheryl Kettler
Christine Glatz
November 11, 2019
I am absolutely devastated hearing this sad news of Marty's passing. So many fond memories growing up with him and his siblings on Kenneth Street in Chicago. With much love, "Chrissy May" (Chris May Glatz)
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