Martin Adelphia, Sr., 75

On the evening of Saturday, April 18, 2026, Martin Adelphia, Sr., 75, of Woodstock, Illinois, put both feet on the rainbow at home, surrounded by family.

Part union electrician, part wise guy, Marty never missed a chance to deliver a one-liner. He may be best known for putting those electrician skills to use each Halloween, building a yard full of animatronic talking witches, spitting skeletons, and flying ghosts.

He enjoyed off-track horse betting , often “keeping an eye on the ponies”, and loved fishing with Mary and his grandchildren on Lake Delevan – Baba was always ready to fix a rod, hook a worm, or take a fish off for a quick picture, and nothing beat his fried bluegill… unless you were lucky enough to be on his list for a never-fail Sunday spaghetti delivery.

As one of the original “gatekeepers” of Woodstock’s Dream Field, countless hours were spent fixing irrigation and hauling Turface. His involvement in local sports ran deep, coaching soccer and baseball and giving kids the chance to love the game—while never hesitating to loudly “coach” his own kids and grandkids from the sideline.

Genealogy became another of Marty’s passions, researching not only his own family tree but helping others uncover theirs, even teaching himself a little Italian to translate documents.

For more than a decade, he lived with Parkinson’s disease, which slowed him down physically but never stopped him. In the summer months, you could find him on his trusty John Deere tractor, mowing grass or making a trip to the local gas station for fuel—and a Little Debbie’s.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Sue Adelphia; his children, Martin Adelphia Jr. and Heather Adelphia; his daughter-in-law, Sarah Adelphia, son-in-law, Marc Keenan; his siblings, Marie Pinegar, Kathy O’Connell, Frances Aiottas, Mary Murphy, Vicky Drake, David Allen (deceased), Kathy Roberts, Leroy Adelphia (deceased) and his grandchildren, Olivia, Sadie, Finn, Martin, Noah, and Autumn.

Gather with family and friends to honor Marty’s life at Schneider Leucht Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N Seminary Ave, Woodstock, IL 60098 on Friday, May 8, from 5–8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Parkinson’s Foundation.