Martin “Marty” Collins, 46, of Chicago, IL passed away Saturday, January 8th after courageously fighting stomach cancer for over a year. He was blessed to spend three precious weeks at home, in hospice, surrounded by his family. Marty was so happy to be home, decorating for Christmas, watching movies by the fire, recording lists for Santa, opening presents, enjoying family game nights, and cheering on his Chicago sports teams.
Marty was the beloved husband of Carrie (Riordan), loving dad of Liam and Keira, devoted son of James and Laura (Geraty) Collins, dear brother of Jim, cherished son-in-law of Mike and Mary (Wells) Riordan, dear brother-in-law of John (Brigit), David (Amanda), and Brian (Cristina) Riordan, adored uncle of Jack, Madison, Honore, Trinity, and Will Collins; and Jack, Emmet, Maeve, Brendan, Killian, Finnian and Mason Riordan. Marty was the dear cousin, beloved nephew, and great friend of many.
Marty grew up in Evanston, IL and went to St. Joan of Arc grade school. He enjoyed attending Loyola Academy (where he played football and lacrosse) before pursuing an engineering degree from Miami of Ohio. He later earned an MBA from Northwestern University.
Marty worked in engineering sales and auto finance before finding his passion for Consulting and beginning a promising career at Deloitte. He served on the board at DePaul College Prep, as one of the founding members. Marty was a parishioner at St. Alphonsus Church and active in the Alphonsus Academy school community. He was always a role model and friend to anyone he met.
Marty was a music lover and avid fan of Pearl Jam. He loved attending a variety of concerts with his friends and family. He had an extraordinary enthusiasm for all things sports and was a walking encyclopedia of stats for his favorite teams. He was passionate about the Bears, White Sox, Bulls, Cubs, Blackhawks, and local college teams and enjoyed going to games whenever he could. Marty loved coaching Liam & Keira’s sports teams. He also enjoyed playing golf, traveling with family and friends, and spending time in Lake Geneva.
Marty had an amazing way of making everyone he met feel special. His genuine warmth, kindness, positive attitude, and goodness endeared him to so many. His heart of gold, quick wit, and a great sense of humor made him so fun to be around.
He was a true gentleman - always smiling, always displaying sincere gratitude for being blessed with Carrie, Liam, Keira . . . and don’t forget their dog Payton. Marty treasured his family and friends and the wonderful experiences he had with them throughout his life.
Marty faced his battle without bitterness – just strength, courage, calm, and grace. He was determined cancer would not take his heart, his soul, his spirit, his faith, his Christian attitude and love for all. It never did; he finished the race and inspired us all.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 16, 2022 from 3:00-7:00 PM at Cooney Funeral Home, 3918 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL. Funeral Monday, family and friends are asked to meet at Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 W. Adams, Chicago, IL for Mass at 10:30 AM.
Masks will be required, regardless of vaccination status.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jimmy V Cancer Fund: https://donate.v.org/give/353765/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=Homepage&c_src2=DonateButton
For information please call 773-588-5850 or visit www.cooneyfuneralhome.com
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