Michael Steven Martin was born on May 27, 1949 in the small town of Wampum, PA. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family in the early hours of September 15, 2024.
He is predeceased by his parents Wilfred and Melda Martin, and his sister Lana Hudson. His living siblings include sisters Terrie Parish, Judy McDermott, and Janis Lybarger (Ed) and one brother Roger Martin. He is survived by his beloved wife Trina of 29 years, his children Kelly Pinkowski (Jeff) and grandson Ian Kelley, and Tara and Taylor Martin.
Michael graduated from Ellwood City HS in 1967 and Slippery Rock University in 1972 with a BS in Education. He began his career as a middle school teacher teaching Social Studies in Peter’s Township, PA. After a short stent as a teacher, he transitioned into IT working at McGraw Edison, which was later purchased by Cooper Power Systems. As a third career, he became an IT Manager for MCI, which was purchased by WorldCom and ultimately became Verizon. Michael retired from Verizon in 2013.
Michael enjoyed taking his kids camping, hiking, biking, and on USA Swimming adventures all over the United States. He humored his wife by escorting her to concerts, basketball games, and most importantly the 144th Kentucky Derby. He could be found making witty (and sometimes inappropriate) jokes, jingles, and shenanigans that would then live on forever. A man who would respond rather than react, a simple man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, he was a rock. Michael’s humility, strength, and wisdom is passed to all of us, in the words of which only his wedding song can convey: “You say it best when you say nothing at all.”
As a cancer survivor, “Miracle Michael Martin” (M3!) wanted to help kids with cancer by giving to St. Jude’s. If you wish to make a donation to St. Jude’s in his memory, you can do so at www.stjude.org.
I am so sorry for the loss of a dear classmate and friend.