Obituary

Benito Juliano Martinez ROCKFORD - Benito Juliano Martinez, age 28, of Rockford passed away January 13, 2015. Born in Mexia, TX on January 16, 1986 to Francisco R. Martinez and Gina L. Juliano. Benny had a great sense of humor and could lighten up any situation. He had a passion for football, basketball, four-wheeling, motorcycles and classic cars. Benny was a provider and a protector for a lot of people, a real stand up man. He is survived by his children, Terranisha Purifoy-Martinez, Benito Martinez Jr. and baby boy-to-be; mother, Gina L. Juliano; father, Francisco R. Martinez; mother of his children, Terricka Purifoy, Latosha Tate and Akilia "Tay" Lesure; siblings, Tony (Deanna) Juliano, Angelica (Miguel) Rodriguez, Amy Martinez, Anna (Robert) Moorman and Enrico (Olivia) Martinez; special family friend, Maria Salazar; as well as numerous nieces & nephews and great friends. He is predeceased by his grandmother, Julia Martinez; aunt, Carmen Hueramo; and uncle, Steve Martinez. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday January 22, 2015 from 4 - 8 PM at the Christenson Funeral Home & Crematory, 925 3rd Ave. Funeral services will be held on Friday January 23, 2015 with prayers at 9:30 AM at the funeral home going to the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St., for a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial. Interment at Scandinavian Cemetery, Rockford. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Benito Martinez Memorial Fund at BMO Bank. PALLBEARERS Tony Juliano Joseph Martinez Anthony Cruz Robert Moorman Jack "JD" Moorman Jimmie Dale Moorman Miguel Rodriguez Jaron Burden www.rockfordfunerals.com