It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of “El Maestro del Radio,” Armando Perez y Martinez, who was 88 years old when he passed away on December 5, 2025. He was a cherished son, devoted father, beloved grandfather, great-grandfather, loyal brother, treasured uncle, faithful friend, and a legendary Hispanic radio and TV personality in Chicago. Armando brought joy and laughter to countless listeners and mentored many broadcasters throughout his over 70-year career. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy, and his shoes will be hard to fill. 

 

Born on June 5, 1937, he was the son of Armando Perez Saenz and Maria Luisa Martinez de Perez.

 

Armando was a 12-year-old boy chosen to host a talent show in a small theater for amateur performers. Later, while attending university in his hometown of Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, he participated in the “Revista Musical Universitaria,” where he served as the Master of Ceremonies for singing and acting performances at just 17 years old. In 1960, he began his radio career at WTAQ 1300 AM as a salesman and disc jockey. He later worked as a disc jockey at WCRW 1240 AM and served as a production assistant at WOPA 1490 AM, which was located in the Old Oak Park Arms Hotel at the corner of Oak Park Ave. and Washington in Oak Park. Armando then became a broker (independent producer) for WOPA 1490 AM.He was a founder of several programs on FM stations, including WXRT 93.1 and WOJO 105 AM. Additionally, he was a pioneer in Spanish television, working as a sportscaster and sports director for WCIU-TV, Channel 26.In 1969, he was selected to conduct the AYUDA (Action Line Program), which was sponsored by the Illinois Bell Telephone Company and Western Electric. The program aired for 22 years, during which he won a Daytime Emmy Award on Channel 26. He later transitioned to Channel 44 Telemundo TV as a sports caster, where he produced special programs and earned two additional Daytime Emmys for the show "Estudio 44." In 1989, he was chosen by WOJO 105 FM to broadcast baseball games for the Chicago White Sox at the old Comiskey Park, under the ownership of Bill Veeck. He also worked at WTAQ 1300 AM, where he covered games for the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears and served as the official voice of the Chicago Golden Gloves at both the state and international levels. He held a deep admiration and love for both the Chicago Cubs and the New York Yankees.

 

His important achievements are as follows:

 

Founder and President – National Association of Latin American Broadcasters (8 years)

Vice-President of O.I.D.LO. (International Association of Broadcasters) with their main headquarters in Mexico City.

Recipient of “The Golden Microphone” 3 times in Mexico City

-Recipient of 6 Proclamation Letters:

                Mayor Richard J. Daley & Richard M. Daley

                Mayor Jayne Byrd and the City of Berwyn

Treasurer Maria Pappas at the office of John Strogger

Year #52 on the air as a disc jockey

Past President of the Mexican Civic Society 

Organizers of the Mexican Independence Parade & Civic ceremonies.

Recipient of many awards too many to list

He also was the producer/director of Nostalgia 1450 AM – Sundays 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Illinois Broadcasters Association- Broadcast Pioneer Award 2015- 1st Hispanic Broadcaster to receive this award and was nominated by his daughter Laura Perez.

Like he always has said, 

…..and like Hugh Heffner would say….”when will I retire?  NEVER!”

He was the only brother to his beloved sisters, Carmela Gonzalez and Martha Arroyo, as well as the late Irma Macias, his lovely sister, Yolanda Campbell (Eduardo Campbell), and deeply mourned her passing. He was predeceased by his parents, Armando and Maria Luisa, along with his nephew, Morton Eduardo Campbell (Maria Campbell), whom he considered like a son, Adriana DeLoach, whom he loved as a daughter, and her husband, Brandon, close to his heart as well Jorge “Pelon” Macias and Carlos “Tabo” Gustavo Macias Perez. Armando is survived by the mother of his children, Flora Poletti, and their daughters, Flora Esquivel (Celzo Esquivel) and Laura Perez (Charles Yonts). He adored his grandchildren, Stephanie Perez (Raheem Lemons), Nicholas Esquivel, and Angelo Esquivel, as well as his two great-grandchildren, Cameron and Alyssa. He also cherished his nieces and nephews: Alejandra, Patricia, Maricela, Jackie, Luly, Jorgito, Pato, Katya, Paulina, Valeria (Brian Vidovich) and Priscilla Campbell and many great-nieces and great-nephews whom he loved very much.

A visitation will be held on Sunday December 14, 2025 from 2pm to 8pm at Adolf Funeral Home, 2921 S Harlem Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402. Family and friends will gather on Monday December 15, 2025 at the funeral home for a 10am funeral service. Entombment at Mt Auburn Cemetery.