Raymond Lee Martz

Raymond Lee Martz, a devoted husband, proud father, treasured grandfather and great
grandfather, esteemed businessman, veteran, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on
June 12, 2025, at the remarkable age of 100.
Born in Youngstown, Ohio on October 9, 1924, Ray was the son of Roy and Kathryn
("Kate") Martz. He was raised in a close-knit home alongside his older brother, Roy Martz,
who also preceded him in death. Ray's life was defined by purpose, loyalty, and an enduring
love for family.
A graduate of Fitch High School in Austintown, Ohio, Ray answered the call of duty during
World War II, serving from 1943 to 1946 in the U.S. Army. Stationed at General
Eisenhower's Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces in Versailles, France, Ray
served with dignity and pride, playing a supporting role in one of the most pivotal moments
in modern history.
After returning home, Ray pursued higher education, graduating from Youngstown College
in 1949. He furthered his academic journey in a master's program at Columbia University in
New York City. Though Ray's time was mainly filled with school and selling Hoover
vacuum cleaners during summer breaks, fate and family intervened when he met the love of
his life, Sally McGee. The two were married on May 12, 1951, beginning a partnership filled
with laughter, devotion, and adventure that would span more than seven decades.
Ray's professional life was as dynamic as it was successful. He began his career in the steel
industry, working with Brainard Steel, where he traveled all across the country. He later
accepted a position with Detroit Steel, prompting a move to the northwest suburbs of Chicago
with his growing family. It was during this time that Ray joined Medinah Country Club,
where he proudly remained a member for over 50 years.
Eventually, Ray brought his expertise and leadership to Minerallac Electric Company, where
he began as sales manager, ending as president over a fulfilling 25-year tenure. In business,
Ray was a man of honor and principle-his word was his bond, and his handshake was better
than any signed contract. He was a trusted mentor and problem-solver, known for his insight,
calm leadership, and steadfast ethics.
Ray was a man who found great joy in the simple pleasures-golfing at Medinah, winters in
Sarasota, Florida, summers in Illinois, and traveling with Sally, both during his career and
into retirement. His favorite destination was Hawaii, though he and Sally explored countless
corners of the world with dear friends and family by their side.
Above all, Ray was a family man. He and Sally raised two daughters, Susan Vitello (who
preceded him in death on March 17, 2025) and Karen Notaro (married to Steve Notaro). He
was a proud grandfather to Kristin Allen (Ben), Patrick Notaro (Jami), Jamie Lindsey (Kyle),
and Katherine Vitello, and a loving great-grandfather to Bryce Allen, Theodore Allen, Caleb
Lindsey, and Harper Lindsey. Ray is also survived by his loving niece and nephew, Nancy
Kolesar (Martz) and Roy Martz, who carry on the family's enduring bonds and shared
memories.
Ray imparted invaluable life lessons to his family, including his treasured philosophies-the
5 P's: Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance, as well as his own 4 C's: Character,
Composure, Confidence, and Commitment. These guiding principles became a foundation for
his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, just as his quiet generosity and thoughtful gestures
became legendary within the family. Whether it was something mentioned casually in
conversation or a challenge yet unspoken, Ray always had a solution-and more often than
not, the solution had already arrived.
He was a listener, a thinker, a man of action. Ray loved a good joke, and his infectious
laughter and bright smile had a way of lighting up any room.
In the final months of his life, Ray often reflected on two pivotal moments that shaped
everything that followed: his unexpected selection to General Eisenhower's staff-an
assignment that, though different from his original desire to serve on the front lines, became a
defining honor-and his good fortune in marrying Sally, the woman who became his lifelong
partner, confidante, and love. These moments, he said, created the life he would come to
treasure.
Ray built a legacy not just through professional achievement, but through integrity, kindness,
and love. His presence was a steady light in the lives of those who knew him, and his 100th
birthday-celebrated last year-was a beautiful reflection of a life richly lived. These
attributes he conveyed will endure with the family he cherished and the lives he touched.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A memorial service to honor Ray's life will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Smith
Corcoran Funeral Home in Palatine, Illinois. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a
short service at 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.