John J. Martin

February 28, 2008

John Joseph Martin, 87, died Tuesday at the Carthage Area Hospital where he had been a patient since February 19th. He had been a resident of the Country Manor Nursing Home for the past year.

Mr. Martin joined the New York City Fire Department in 1951. He retired with the rank of Fire Captain in 1977 after 27 years of service.

He was born in Long Island City, July 18, 1920, a son of John and Elizabeth Keegan Martin. He graduated from St. Augustine’s Diocesan High School in Brooklyn in 1938. Mr. Martin married Frances M. Rogers June 21, 1942 in New York City. He served with the US Army Air Corps during WW II from 1942 – 1946. Following his discharge from the military, Mr. Martin returned to his position with the Veteran’s Administration until joining the fire department.

Mr. and Mrs. Martin lived on Long Island for 35 years, Johnson City, NY for 18 years, moving to Syracuse in September of 2005. Mrs. Martin, a retired 17 year fiscal manager for the Nassau County Youth Board died March 10, 2006 in Watertown. Following his wife’s death, Mr. Martin resided with his daughter and son-in-law in Black River until entering the nursing home in 2007.

Mr. Martin was a former member of St. James Parish in Johnson City. He was an experienced carpenter, an avid Yankees fan, a history buff and enjoyed traveling and sports. He was devoted to his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by 2 sons and a daughter-in-law, John M. and Karen, Ithaca, Thomas F., New York City. His daughter and son-in-law, Frances T. and 1SG Philip Lueders, Black River. 3 grandchildren, Katherine Elizabeth Martin, Meghan Frances Lueders, John Joseph Martin. 2 brothers and a sister-in-law,, Edward Martin of Arroyo Grande, CA, Roger and Mary Martin, Bay Shore, NY. Several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Saturday 1pm at the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home with Rev. Steven Murray, pastor of Holy Family Church, officiating. Spring burial will be in Sanford Corners Cemetery. Calling hours will follow the funeral service until 3pm.