A. Vito Martinez was a life-long resident of the Chicago area. In 1961, Mr. Martinez moved his family to Romeoville and almost immediately began public service career.

Although Mr. Martinez is remembered most for his service as a school board member, serving as President of the High School District 211 and Valley View Boards for 20 years, he made his mark on the community in many other ways as well.

As a member of the Romeoville Jaycees, Mr. Martinez and his fellow Jaycees brought safety improvements to the area highways, built parks, sponsored youth activities and were responsible for founding the Romeo Mosquito Abatement District and Fountaindale Library District.

Mr. Martinez retired from Commonwealth Edison in 1991 after a distinguished 35 year career during which, in his typical fashion, he established a nationally renowned training program for Instrument Technicians and Engineers.

Upon the announcement of his retirement from community service, the Valley View Board voted to re-dedicate West View Middle School in his honor. This provided a permanent memory of his commitment to children and his contagious spirit to making his community the best it could be.