Christopher S. Martin

Christopher Scott Martin, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on March 28, 2026. He was born on November 20, 1956, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Lyle and Loisel (née Orchard) Martin.

Chris attended Willowbrook High School in Villa Park, graduating in 1974. He went on to earn his Associate’s degree in Business from the College of DuPage and later received his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Merchandising from the University of Southern Colorado.

Chris met the love of his life, April, through a mutual friend. They were married in September of 1987 and would have celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary this year—a true testament to love, patience, and Chris’s charm.

For the past 35 years, through bitter Chicago winters and steamy summers, Chris worked as a dedicated UPS package driver. He rarely complained and was just days away from his well-earned retirement on April 1st—a milestone he had truly earned through years of hard work and commitment.

Chris had a deep love for sports, especially golf. He played as often as he could, and loved it so much that he even “watched” it at home—often with his eyes closed, perfecting what could only be described as the art of golf napping.

He was truly the life of the party, never meeting a stranger he couldn’t strike up a conversation with. Whether it was on a dance floor—where he might be found doing the sprinkler or shopping cart—or gathered with friends, Chris brought laughter and good times wherever he went.

Chris also loved to travel, whether to faraway places, like Italy and Napa Valley, or simply heading to a friend’s house for a Bourbon and a cigar, or a “B&C”. No matter the destination, it was always about the company and the laughs along the way.

Above all, Chris loved his family. He was a devoted father to his son, Michael, and a father in every way that mattered to his niece, Rachael—standing beside them through every stage of life, from their earliest years through college and into their married lives.

He cherished his grandchildren—Mason, Madison, and Austin—and his great-nephews, Emmett and Reece, who knew him as “Uncle.” He spent countless hours watching their sporting events, playing with them, handing out his famous “knuckle sandwiches,” and, of course, expertly winding them up right before bedtime before heading home—just part of being Chris.

To know Chris was to love him. Not a bad word can be said about him—he was truly one of the best. He will be deeply missed, and his legacy will live on through all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Chris is survived by his beloved wife, April Martin (née Pari); his children, Michael (Brittany) Martin of Bloomingdale and his niece, Rachael (Eric) Larson of Hampshire, whom he loved and raised as his own daughter; his grandchildren, Mason (8), Madison (6), and Austin (2); his great-nephews, Emmett (11) and Reece (6); his brothers, Craig (Connie) Martin and Steve Martin; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Loisel Martin.

A visitation will be held at Salerno’s Rosedale Chapels, 450 W. Lake St., Roselle, IL, on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 2:00 p.m. A private burial will be held at a later date.

In addition to flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.