Martin Kane

Martin Thomas Kane, 75, passed away peacefully in his home on February 15, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 51 years of marriage, Mary (nee O’Neill); his four children Debbie (Marty) Lubeck, Megan (Maurice) Vincent, Martin Thomas, and Sean Patrick; and his sister Ellen Riley and her children, Marty and Terri. Marty also had very close relationships with his nephew Jim (Vicki) Schwartz and the numerous Hinsdale and Coleman relatives of his extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents Martin Thomas and Elizabeth Kane. 

Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1949, Marty lived life in close unity with his sister and cousins Mary, Patsy, and Noreen Joyce; and Stephen, Thomas, John, Martin, and Patrick Mulroe. He attended primary school at St. Peter Canisius and completed high school at Quigley Preparatory where he played ice hockey. From there, he attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, where he cultivated a truly unique community of friends who remained active in his life up to his passing. “Topper”, as he went by at Loras, was a member of Delta Sigma Fraternity, an athlete, and library patron on occasion. 

Marty cherished his Catholic faith and Irish heritage, where each served as guideposts throughout his life. As a husband, he took immense pride in the sacrament of marriage. As a parent, he made faith accessible to his children and espoused dignity in hard work, family, community, and resiliency. As a brother, cousin, and friend, he was attentive and authentic. 

Marty’s life is perhaps most prominently marked by two critical points: his time at Loras College where he met his wife and, later in life, becoming a grandfather. Mary truly was his soulmate and best friend and they, together, partnered to achieve a life of happiness and gratification through experiences ranging from the pursuit of demanding careers to raising their four children and supporting each’s unique endeavors. Their special love and commitment became honored in September of 2023 upon achievement of their 50th wedding anniversary—something each took immense pride in. Marty’s grandchildren curated a side of him that was an absolute joy to see. A stoic man—often of few words in most settings—he somehow became pliable and could not resist the abundance of tickles, funny faces, laughter, hugs, and kisses he so generously gave them. Marty found abject happiness and peace in his special relationships with Bryce, Baylee, Brock, Finn, Nuala, and Kyna, and there is no doubt that “Papa” holds a very special place in each of their hearts. 

While we are sad to no longer be with Marty, we express heartfelt gratitude for the time he shared with us and how he enriched our lives. At his core, he was a simple man who sought to live life virtuously and to full extent, “one day at a time” as he would say. A job well done, Topper. You will be missed by many yet forgotten by none. 

Visitation 3 PM – 8 PM, Thursday, February 20, at The Oaks Funeral Home, 1201 East Irving Park Road, Itasca, Illinois. 

Funeral Mass 11:30 AM, Friday, February 21, at Queen of The Rosary Catholic Church, 750 West Elk Grove Boulevard, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 

In lieu of floral arrangements, we welcome you to make a donation to The American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html?sc_icid=wtg-lz-memorials)