Martin Lewis Obituary

Lewis, Martin "Marty" 84, died peacefully June 2, 2009, at his home in Chicago. He was a devoted husband to Bertha Levine (nee Robbin) Lewis, his loving wife of 15 years. Marty was born in Joliet, IL to the late Joseph and Bertha (nee Silverman) Lewis. In addition to being survived by his wife, he is survived by daughter Barbara Lewis of Chicago; son Brian (Mary) Lewis of Durham, NC; daughter Linda (Clifford Levin) Lewis of Gainesville, FL; son Mark (Linda) Lewis of Council Bluffs, IA; cherished granddaughter Cara Lewis Levin of Gainesville, FL; sisters Betty Zoldan of La Jolla, CA; and Nancie (Russell) Miller of Chicago; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by stepchildren Larry (Trudie) Goldfarb; Mark (Shelley) Goldfarb; Marcia (Kenneth) Petchenik; six step-grandchildren, and six step-great-grandchildren. Marty graduated from Joliet Township High School, Joliet Junior College, and the University of Illinois, where he earned Bronze Tablet honors. He was a U.S. Navy pilot with the rank of ensign during World War II. In 1949, Marty married Carol Schulman whom he met at the University of Illinois. They were married until her death in 1982. Marty owned and operated Lewis Bros. Shoe Store in Joliet for many years, a business begun by his father and three uncles in 1919. At one time Lewis Bros. was the 10th largest independent shoe store in the nation. Marty was named Independent Shoe Retailer of the Year in 1967. Marty was very active in the Joliet Jewish Congregation, which was founded by his father. Twice yearly Marty could be found fishing in Canada, a hobby he introduced to his wife Bert and at which she excelled in catching the first fish. Per his wishes, Marty's body has been donated to medical science; a July memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rainbow Hospice, 444 N. Northwest Highway, Suite 145, Park Ridge, IL 60068.