Martin "Marty" Hrpcha

Marty Hrpcha
When friends saw Marty approaching, they couldn't help but smile. People would light up, knowing that he would have a joke or an entertaining story to share. And with luck, they might be invited over for some of his elk meatloaf or ribs on the grill.
Martin "Marty" Lee Hrpcha was born on April 19, 1953, in Joliet, Illinois, to Martin and Mabel (Fracaro). His sister, Candace Hrpcha, and parents predeceased him. While Marty's life was cut short far too soon, he passed away on September 13, 2024, doing something he loved - riding his Harley - on an annual rally with his friends.
Marty graduated from Lockport High School in 1971, immediately going to work for Union Oil (which later became Citgo Refinery) as a rigger. Later, he decided that he wanted more of a challenge, and trained to become a paramedic/firefighter, working for the refinery in that role and eventually becoming co-captain of the fire department for Citgo.
Marty and his wife, Debbie, knew each other growing up, and reconnected as adults. They married in 1998, and Marty delighted in his new role as a "bonus dad" to his stepdaughter, Kellee Cagwin, who was 15 when they married. When Kellee was 16, Marty bought her a car for her birthday - but only after he taught her how to change a tire, check the oil, and maintain the vehicle. He loved being "papa" to Kellee's children, Cadence Cagwin, 22 (Marty bought Cadence a car for her 16th birthday - after teaching her how to take care of it, the same way he had with her mom), and Adriana Argueta, 13. Marty loved cheering Adriana on at her volleyball games.
His stepdaughter, grandkids, and friends saw the softer side of Marty - a kind, thoughtful person who went the extra mile for his friends. His many lifelong friendships were a testament to his love for people. In high school, he was known as a funny kid who always had a smile on his face, but he was smart and interesting too. In high school, he hung out with Billy Stanford, Greg Gomer, and Bob Gomer - and remained friends with the three of them for the rest of his life.
A jokester with a great sense of humor, Marty was happiest outdoors. He loved nature. He loved the quiet. The beauty. The animals. He loved hunting - for ducks, geese, deer, elk - with lifelong friends like Jerry Raino, Tom Price, and Jimmy Gibbons. He also loved dogs and working with his Labradors, Annie and Katie.
While Marty he was in a bad motorcycle accident years ago that left him in the hospital for three months, he never lost his love for the freedom of riding on the open road. He and Debbie spent many hours together on his bike. They'd be gardening or working in the house, and he'd say, "Be ready at 2:00," and they'd go out on the Harley together, spending hours on the road.
Debbie and Marty shared a special love. He adored her - and she adored him back. Debbie liked to say that she didn't just love Marty - she really, really liked him, and that's what made their marriage work.
Marty was a Cubs fan and a Bears fan, and an excellent cook. When people heard he and Debbie were throwing a party, they knew there would be good food. From pasta carbonara (really, all kinds of pasta!) to grilled ribs to seasoned potatoes, he loved to cook. He was known for dishes including venison stew and elk meatloaf.
Relaxing at home, he enjoyed a good bourbon and would buy bottles for his friends when he found one he liked. Marty will be missed by many, who will remember his talent for making people laugh; his love for his family, friends, and the great outdoors; and for his kind heart.
Marty's family will host a celebration of life for him at the Anderson Gooddale Memorial Homes, 21131 West Renwick Road, Plainfield, 60544 on September 26 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. The next day, his remains will be interred at Barnett Cemetery in Lockport on September 27 at 11:00 a.m. The family asks that memorials in his name be made to the Lockport Township Fire Protection District chapter of the Project Fire Buddies, Inc., a nonprofit organization that supports children fighting critical illnesses