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Portrait of Daniel Martinez
In loving memory

Daniel Martinez

October 19, 1998 – March 19, 2022
Lived 23 years
Chapel Hill Gardens South Funeral Home & Cemetery · Oak Lawn, IL
"NO STEPS BACK, NOT EVEN TO GAIN MOMENTUM." - Daniel Martinez
Life story

Sergeant Daniel M. Martinez, proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, was born on October 19, 1998 and entered eternity on March 19, 2022. Daniel is the loving son of Manuel and Apolonia Martinez (née Rodriguez). He is the dear brother of Micaela, Luke, Matthew and David. He is the loving grandson of Amalia and the late Jesus Martinez and Noemi and Jesus Rodriguez. He is a dear nephew and cousin to many in the Martinez and Rodriguez families. Daniel made countless friends from his hometown and the Marine Corps. Daniel M. Martinez served 4 years in the United States Marine Corps in the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in the 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division, at Camp Pendleton, California.

Daniel was an adventurer and got to travel to places such as Hawaii, Guam, Japan, Jordan and Oman. Next on Daniel’s travel list was to visit Thailand and study the martial art of “muay thai.” He was a recent member of Chicago Thai Boxing Academy. Daniel was a free spirit who actively pursued sports such as martial arts, skiing, surfing and skateboarding. Daniel had a creative mind and had a budding interest in photography, filmography and video editing. He paired his love for travel with his passion for film and documented his adventures with photos and videos.

Daniel was a light-hearted individual who had a great sense of humor. He knew how to laugh at himself and brighten someone’s day with his jokes or stories. Daniel had a caring and compassionate soul. He found joy in bringing people together whether it was for a family vacation or a Thanksgiving dinner for his fellow Marines. He would give the shirt off his back to help a family member or friend in need. He took the initiative to be a provider to those who needed assistance and a leader to those who needed guidance. Daniel was a born again Christian and let the light of Christ shine through his spirit during his time on this earth. He now resides in Heaven with his loved ones who have passed before him. He will be missed immensely until we meet again.

Photos
Photo book

Daniel’s life, in a printed book

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Videos
Lifetime

The world Daniel knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

1998
Born October 19
1999
Daniel was 1 when Americans braced for the Y2K computer bug
2005
Daniel was 7 when the first video was posted to YouTube
2007
Daniel was 9 when the first iPhone went on sale
2010
Daniel was 12 when Apple's iPad went on sale
2017
Daniel was 19 when "Fortnite" became a video game phenomenon
2022
Passed away March 19, age 23
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Chapel Hill Gardens South Funeral Home & Cemetery
Oak Lawn, IL
Plot: Atonement Section, Lot 192B, Grave 2
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