Obituary of Peter J. Martin

Peter J. Martin, age 85, died peacefully on Sunday, October 7^th surrounded by his loving family.  He fought an epic battle against all the obstacles that life threw at him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary Ann Martin whom he adored.  They lived in Florida for the last 13 years full time.  Prior to that, they lived the snow bird life of part time in NY and part time in FL.  Peter is also survived by his three sons and their families: Thomas and Debbie, Michael and Cherie and Andy and Melissa Martin.  He is also survived by his sister, Sister Yvette Martin C.S.J. as well as many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.  The joy of seeing his family get together was easily visible on his face each and every time.  In addition, he doted endlessly on his grandchildren Zoë and Jaimee as well as Nicholas and Paige.  He is predeceased by his parents Victor and Helen and siblings Gertrude (Cookie), Helen (Kiki) and Victor (Booty).

Peter was very involved in youth sports with his sons.  He coached them in baseball and served several positions within the local youth baseball community.  He also loved basketball.  He not only coached his sons but he officiated High School Basketball for over 25 years.  Among the many sports he found himself in, his greatest passion was for the game of golf.  He made lasting friendships from his many years of playing in his golf league at Frear Park.  He often spoke about the many friends and experiences they had together.  In his later years, he thoroughly enjoyed travelling with his wife and friends, whether a beach trip, a Caribbean Cruise or a foreign destination.   

Peter’s work career spanned several industries and trades.  He imported and exported meats specifically with Canada.  He also found himself rather successful at selling carpet locally in Albany.  Learning he had sales skills, he tapped his entrepreneurial drive and purchased a laundromat.  He grew his new business to a total of four separate stand-alone laundromats.  It was truly a family business as he and Mary Ann ran the business together with help from their sons.  He eventually sold the business and took a position in the NYS Assembly, from which he retired.

Peter stayed active in many fraternal organizations and committed his time and resources to them and their causes.  They included the Shriners, Masons and Elks.  He was a consistent patron at Our Lady of Victory in Troy, NY and later on at St. John the Evangelist in Viera, FL.  Peter also served his country as a Master Sergeant with time spent in the Korean War.

There will be a service held Saturday, October 13^th at St. John the Evangelist in Viera, FL at 2:30 pm.  There will also be a separate service held in Troy, NY at Morris-Stebbins-Miner & Sanvidge Funeral Home on Saturday November 10^th from 1:00-3:00 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc.

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