Michael Martinez

Michael Martinez, 92, passed away on August 11, 2025. Survived by his wife, Anastasia, nee Anastasopoulos, son Richard, daughter Rose and four siblings: Rafael Martinez, Constance Perez, Nadien Guerin, and Judith Rodriguez. Mr. Martinez was preceded in death by his parents: Rafael and Josephine Martinez Sr., son, Charles and seven siblings: Dennis Martinez, Leonardo Martinez, Lorenzo Martinez, Frank Martinez, Paul Martinez, Evelyn Martinez, Henry Martinez and Genevive Torres. He will be missed by many friends and family.

Michael retired from Japan Airlines after a 30 year career as a senior cargo sales representative. Through his career he took his family to see some of the world. Mexico, Greece, Japan, Australia and he traveled to many more exotic places for business. Michael also enjoyed playing golf and hit three holes-in-one throughout his lifetime. Michael was a master pianist who started playing in Latin jazz bands as a youth and never stopped playing and expanding. Salsa was his core throughout the years but he also played in big band/swing bands and small jazz combos. Often, he would arrive with charts for the band he wrote himself. His sons also played music and Richard has said that his father knew more about music theory than anyone he personally knew. He was a musicians musician. Played what he loved, played it well and wore the biggest and warmest smile while doing it.

One of his fellow musicians, Richard Straka, summed up what it was like to work with Michael in his own words:

“I was the director of La Confidencia for 28 years. Your father was our pianist for many of those years. We probably did hundreds of gigs together, including opening for the Fania All Stars a couple of times. We shared the stage with Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, Daniel Santos, El Gran Combo, and all the top Salsa Artists in the world. It was always a pleasure to work with Mike.”

Friday, August 15th visitation from 3-8pm at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Highway, Palatine IL 60067. Saturday, August 16th 9:15am from the funeral home to St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church, 133 S Roselle Rd, Palatine, IL 60067, for a funeral service at 10am. Interment St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery.