Chicago Spanish Radio Pioneer Dies at Age 78

Leon Martinez was first-ever Spanish voice of Chicago Bears and Cubs in 80s, 90s, news director at several Chicago radio stations, sports editor at La Raza Newspaper.

Leon Martinez, one of Chicago's Spanish radio pioneers, passed away peacefully late last night at the age of 78. He was surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.

Known as "La voz autorizada" or "The authorized voice," Martinez' radio career spans half a century, more than half of it in Chicago. He was one of the first Spanish voices on WOJO 105.1 when he joined the radio station in its inaugural year in 1978. He spent 15 years as WOJO's news director before serving as news director as several other Chicago radio stations.

Martinez was also the Spanish voice of the Chicago White Sox between 1978-1982, the voice of the Chicago Cubs between 1982-1994, and the voice of the Chicago Bears between 1982-1994. He also served as the sports editor at Chicago's La Raza Newspaper between 1985-1995.

Toward the end of his career in journalism, Martinez was the publisher of Nuevo Siglo Newspaper, a Chicago community newspaper, between 1996-2019. He also hosted a radio show, called "Sabados Rancheros," on WRLL 1450AM between 2015-2021.

Originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, he spent the first 15 years of his radio career in his native country of Mexico. He is survived by his wife Angela Mendoza-Martinez; and leaves behind his children: oldest son Leon (Susan) Martinez, Jr.; daughter Maria (Ruben Torres) Martinez; youngest son James (Denise) Martinez; and grandchildren Laura, Niza, Bejamin and Anthony.

• Visitation: Friday, November 15, 2024, 4pm to 8pm The Original Rago Brothers Funeral Homes 7751 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60634
• Closing of casket and prayer: Saturday, November 16, 2024, 9am to 10am The Original Rago Brothers Funeral Homes 7751 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60634
• Funeral Service: Saturday, November 16, 2024,10:30am St. Francis Borgia Roman Catholic Church 8033 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60634
• Interment: Saturday, November 16, 2024 (immediately following mass) Maryhill Cemetery 8600 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714