CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A South Side family is dealing with the loss of its patriarch Thursday, on a day that should have been one of celebration.
Juan Martinez was set to retire Thursday from the University of Illinois Hospital, where he had been a surgical technician for the past 34 years. But according to the Tribune, Martinez died Monday from COVID-19,
His son, Juan Martinez Jr., is also a surgical technician at University of Illinois Hospital. He said his dad was passionate about his work and his faith. Martinez was a pastor at the Rios de Agua Viva church.
"My dad was a very dedicated man to work,” said Juan Martinez Jr. “He was so passionate.”
Juan Martinez had turned 60 just two weeks ago. He and his wife, Martha, had three children: Juan, Angela and Rebecca. They raised the kids on Chicago’s South Side.
Martinez Jr. said his father was the type of guy to make new friends within minutes of meeting people.
“He just had this charisma and personality,” Martinez Jr. said. “My dad was such a lovable person. He could just make friends on the spot, just like that.”
In an email sent to University of Illinois Hospital staffers, CEO Michael Zenn wrote, “It is with heavy hearts that we share UI Health has lost a second staff member due to COVID-19...Our thoughts and prayers are with Juan’s family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time.”
After his birthday on April 14, Martinez had begun planning for retirement. But after he began to feel ill, his wife took him to get tested for the coronavirus. Martinez Jr. didn’t feel well either. Both father and son got tested April 17 and tests came back positive.
“We’ve been going through a lot,” Martinez Jr. said
According to the Tribune, coronavirus changed what was supposed to be a celebratory time for the family. His children were working to finance a trip for him and his wife to celebrate his retirement. Now they are planning their father's funeral.
The family has set up a GoFundMe campaign.