Jose "Joe" Laurina-Martinez

Jose “Joe” Laurina-Martinez age 93, passed away peacefully in Shorewood Illinois on August 31st 2023. Joe was born February 12, 1930 in San Antonio Texas, to his parents Francisca Martinez and Catarino Laurina. Joe Martinez resided in Elwood, IL and the greater Joliet, IL area for more than 50 years. He was considered a wise and watchful neighbor to all who knew him. Joe was a faithful and longstanding member of the Full Gospel Community Fellowship Church in Joliet, IL. He was a proud member of The Operator’s Union, The Labor Union, and Pipeliners Local 798 Tulsa Oklahoma Union in Tulsa, Oklahoma for over 63 years, where he was fondly known as “Chico,” by his work colleagues. Joe worked and traveled all over the United States for the Pipeliners. He especially loved to share harrowing stories about helping build the Alaskan Pipeline. And was proud to have contributed to that first barrel of oil traveling through the pipeline in the summer of 1977. Even well into his 80s, Joe frequently threatened to head back to Alaska and work on the Pipeline. He was always excited for the opportunity to make it to the Annual Pipelines Reunion. Joe was so proud and told the story many times that Margaret was named Lady Pipeliner of the Year at the Pipeliners Reunion in San Antonio, TX in March of 2011. His 60th year anniversary Pipeliners Reunion was paused due to covid. He last attended in April of 2022 for his 62nd year anniversary. Throughout his retirement, Joe loved traveling whenever possible; he and his partner/companion Margaret logged thousands of miles visiting family, friends in Alabama and throughout the United States, in his Cadillac Escalade. He was lovingly called “Grandpa Joe” and "Pappy Joe" by numerous beloved children and grandchildren. Grandpa Joe was enthusiastically in attendance to celebrate every birthday, graduation, holiday, and anniversary imaginable – he loved Donuts, Cake, Coffee, and company. He always appreciated spending time with friends and family. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Grandpa Joe during his 93 years, most importantly: “don’t work too much, because the work will still be there when you are gone!” Joe will have the ashes of his and Margaret's dog, “Cookie” with him for eternity, and will be laid to rest next to his late wife, Sallie, as these were his final wishes.

Jose "Joe" Laurina-Martinez

February 3, 1930 - September 13, 2023