Edward F Martin
March 07, 1922 - January 20, 2021
Passing of a Quiet Giant
Longtime
Belmont resident Edward Martin joined his Spiritual Father on January 20, 2021
at age 98. He is predeceased by his brothers Al and Gene, his sisters Dolores
and Dorothy, his wife of over 70 years Pat, and his daughter, Lynda. He is
survived by his son, Patrick, granddaughters Kara and Erin, and great
grandchildren Ellie, Jack and Tyler. He also had a special fondness for nephew
Craig Martin.
Ed
embodied the simple but steadfast values that made his generation great — faith,
freedom and family. He didn’t talk much about his beliefs. He lived them. And
his actions set the tone for all who were privileged to know him.
Ed’s
cynicism of religious bureaucracy never displaced his fundamental beliefs. The
family tragedies he endured — especially Lynda’s death — shook him to the core
but never shook his faith. The church was his anchor. Well into his nineties, he
found solace in daily walks to visit parish priests and nuns.
Ed’s
devotion to family was also without parallel. Whether tending to his terminally
ill sister, brother or wife, or attending to the special needs of a child, he
never wavered. He was there 24-7 — the go-to guy. He derived his greatest
enjoyment from witnessing the healthy growth of rising family generations —
especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A distinguished World War II veteran who served as an aircraft mechanic in the
Pacific Theater, Ed developed a reputation for being the “tech” who could help
pilots get the best performance from their planes without breaking them. Parts
were scarce. So were pilots. Back in the States, Ed fulfilled a similar role
during his 40 year career with TWA — the guy who could solve complex mechanical
issues and safety concerns while coaching flight crews how to diagnose and avoid
them.
The
common denominator in Ed’s military service and civilian career was freedom —
the freedom to defend democracy and, once democracy was secured, the freedom to
pursue the American dream. For Ed, open skies framed both the freedom and dream
spaces.
Faith.
Freedom. Family. Ed held the firm belief that he would someday rejoin Pat, Lynda
and his siblings. Rest assured. He is with them now.
Due to COVID, in person services will be for family only at this time, however
you may attend virtually through the link provided by the funeral home. A
well-deserved celebration of life will be held at a later time.
