Martin "Marty" Tielemans, a longtime resident of Gilroy, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2020.  Marty was born in Palo Alto and raised in Los Gatos.  He was a 1964 graduate of Los Gatos High School where he was on the football, wrestling, and track teams. Marty served his country as part of the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.  After his service, he moved to San Diego where he studied the art of Karate.  He earned a black belt degree and went on to be an instructor in the Twin Dragons dojo. Marty later moved to the South County to be closer to his family.  He worked at the San Martin Country Store, The Glassman in Gilroy, Simonsen Laboratories and Lowes Home improvement stores.

Marty loved golf and was an active member of the Gilroy Golf Course Men's Club board of directors for several years.  He truly loved his golf "buddies" and always looked forward to the golf "road trips" to Lake Tahoe, Reno, and Las Vegas.

Having never married, Marty immersed himself in the sports activities of his nieces, nephews, and their friends.  Marty rarely missed a Little League game or a Gilroy High School basketball, volleyball, or softball game and would travel as far as necessary to support and cheer them on.

Marty was preceded in death by his parents Alois and Mary Jane Tielemans, his brothers Michael and Matthew Tielemans, and his niece and nephew Shellee and Tommy Beatty.

He is survived by his sisters Margaret Wahlborg, Melynda Beatty Arata, and Mia DeLorenzo (Don).  His nephews, Scott Tielemans (Martha), Eddi "Andy" Wahlborg, Dan Rorvik (Keri) and Vinny DeLorenzo (Amanda).  His nieces Maryanne Cosgrove (Bill), Ruthie Scott (Scott) and Bria DeLorenzo. He is also survived by many great nieces and nephews

Affectionately known as Uncle Martino, Uncle Mar Mar, or Uncle Mom, he was loved by many and will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Wounded Warrior Project.

Due to COVID 19 restrictions, no service is planned at this time.