Martin Monegain

Born on August 24, 1935, to Marion and Irene (Harris) Monegain, Marty grew up on the Westside of Chicago, in his beloved Douglas Park neighborhood. Marty was the eldest of three brothers, Ronald, and Arthur (who preceded him in death). He lived a life filled with love, laughter, and a steadfast commitment to those closest to him. From an early age, he embodied the values of hard work, kindness, and a genuine concern for others that would come to define his legacy.

Marty graduated from Harrison High School and then attended Northern Illinois University. While attending Northern Illinois University, Marty had the opportunity tryout for his favorite professional baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals’. Along with two fellow Northern students who he traveled with to the tryout. Marty made the first cut, but his fellow students did not. Without money to get back to school on his own, Marty decided to return to Northern with the other two students and finish his degree. Marty graduated from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. Later in life, Marty would also earn his Masters’ Degree from Chicago State University, in Supervision and Administration.

After graduating from Northern Illinois University, Marty was drafted into the Army. He completed two years of service and was honorably discharged. Marty began a long and storied career as a Physical Education Teacher. During that same period, Marty married the love of his life, Louise (Williams) aka, ‘Sug’. From that union, they started their family and raised two sons, Michael and Martin and his family became the center of his universe.

Marty returned to his roots on the west side of Chicago, where he taught for 37 years at William Penn Elementary School. Marty’s love for sports, specifically basketball, was a close second to his love for teaching. He went on to coach Boys’ Basketball, Girl’s Volleyball, Boys and Girls Track and organized annual gymnastic shows at his school. During the summers, Marty worked at the University of Iowa Basketball camps and was offered an assistant coaching position at the University. However, he decided to continue teaching and coaching at Penn Elementary School to avoid uprooting his family.

After 37 devoted years of teaching, Marty retired. But the coaching bug continued to call him, and he accepted the head coach position at Hales Franciscan High School, where he coached for 5 years. He was subsequently offered the head coach position at Hubbard High School, where he coached for three years.

Marty and Louise moved to Flossmoor, Illinois, and the desire to continue to have a positive impact on young lives drew Marty back into teaching. Marty started as a substitute teacher at Parker Junior High School, but the school quickly recognized the amazing talent they had in him. He became the “go to sub,” and was frequently requested by teachers to take their classes in their absences.

Marty taught all subjects, from physical education to computer programming at Parker, for 17 years and was beloved by students and teachers alike.

Despite his many accomplishments, Marty remained humble and grounded, never seeking the spotlight but instead content to quietly make a difference in the lives of those he touched. His integrity and strong moral compass guided his every decision, earning him the respect and admiration of all who knew him.

Marty's unwavering love for his family was the cornerstone of his life. He cherished his role as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle and always put the needs of his loved ones before his own. His infectious sense of humor and ability to tell a story allowed him to find joy in the simplest of moments and brought endless happiness to those around him.

Marty's passing leaves a profound void in the lives of his family and friends, who will forever remember his warm smile, his comedic humor, his sage advice, and his unparalleled ability to bring people together. Though he is gone, his spirit and the indelible mark he has left on the world will continue to inspire and comfort those who were fortunate enough to call him a loved one. Marty is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Louise, his children Michael [Jill], Martin [Jamelia] his grandchildren Bryhana, Martin, Aaron, Macyn, Micah, his bonus grandchildren Jataela, Jaxton, his brother Ronald [Clara] his sister-in-law Teresa, special cousin Carita, his beloved nieces Sylvia [James], Sydnee [Kenny], Shelia, Angela, Bridget, British, Jessica, Samantha [Shaiquel], Sydney, Jamilla, Saniece, Lauren, Kendell, Cassidy, Nora, Sariah, his nephews Steve, Rodney[Lorain], Guy [DeLisa], Tony, Cory, Sy, Kyrin, Joe. As well as lifelong friends, James Moore, James Capers, Eddie Bolton Howard, Howard Wheat, Calvin and Cleo Boswell and a host of relatives and friends.