Funeral Details

Martin Lubowich passed away at the age of 95 on July 16, 2023 surrounded by friends and family, in a home filled with love and gratitude. Marty grew up on the South Side of Chicago, the son of immigrants and the youngest of five children. His family lived in an apartment above his father's clothing store, and life revolved around the store, the family, and building a new life in America. It was in high school that he would meet his beloved wife-to-be, Shirley. Together they shared Chemistry (the class), where Marty was getting a better grade and offered to tutor Shirley, which resulted in chemistry (the relationship). By the end Shirley's grade stayed exactly the same and Marty's got worse! But the end result of this undeniable Chemistry was a loving marriage that lasted an amazing (and beautiful) 76 years. Like his father before him, Marty went into the schmatta (clothing store) business and ran Morris Department Store with great passion and determination. The store was known for offering deep discounts and providing free bagels and coffee on Sundays. Running the store independently meant that Marty had to work incredibly hard, putting in long hours, but he always made time for his children, Donald, Kenneth, and Renee, who knew him to be the kindest, most wonderful dad, mentor, and role model. After Marty retired, he and Shirley fed their curiosity by taking courses at Northwestern. He read three newspapers every day, and became a fixture at his synagogue community, EHNTJC. He welcomed daughters-in-law Susan, Li, and Pat into his growing family. He also welcomed Jake, his grandson-in-law to be. But more than anything, Marty funneled his time and energy into his grandchildren: Corey, James, Emma, Hannah, and Kevin. He shared their ever-changing interests and was their number one fan. He helped plan big family trips so the whole clan could create new memories together. Marty delighted in sharing his "magic handshake" where he would, with a sly grin and a twinkle in his eye, slip them cash to use as "mad money" for something fun. Marty loved finding a great deal and he loved to entertain. He and Shirley were famous for hosting gatherings to celebrate holidays, mark special events, and sometimes for no reason at all. He prided himself on having a soda fountain and candy bar, making enormous fruit trays, and having a basement full of games. Heaven forbid a guest leave his house bored or hungry! Marty was soft-spoken but fiercely passionate, hard working but joyful, loving but mischievous. He was the person who would quietly, and without question, come to your aid with no expectation of anything in return. Marty was short in stature, but was a giant when it came to his generosity and his capacity for kindness. He was always ready with open arms to welcome you in, because there was always room for more at his table full of love, laughter, and pistachios. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his beloved synagogue, Ezra-Habonim, the Niles Township Jewish Congregation.