Senate Resolution No. 815

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of John J. Martin,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; John J. Martin was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of John J. Martin on Friday, April
30, 2021, noting the significance of his purposeful life and
accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the
compassion of individuals such as John J. Martin who upheld the values
of community life and who, through their great actions, epitomized the
best of humanity; and

WHEREAS, A truly kind, humble and eminent man of indomitable faith
and dedication, John J. Martin was an avid golfer and die-hard Buffalo
Bills and New York Yankees fan; he enjoyed reading the Buffalo News and
traveling to visit his family in Canada, as well as vacationing in
Crystal Beach, Ontario, Ireland, Hawaii and the Caribbean; and

WHEREAS, John J. Martin's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; his public service and countless
accomplishments will forever stand as a paradigm and inspiration for
others; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, John J. Martin was a past Grand Knight of the Monsignor Nash
Knights of Columbus No. 3875 in South Buffalo, New York, where he also
chaired the Christmas Food Drive for more than 50 years, eventually
sharing duties with his wife and three daughters to feed those less
fortunate during the holiday season in their neighboring communities of
South Buffalo, West Seneca, Lackawanna, and Hamburg; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which John J. Martin displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, While he was passionate about many things, above all his
greatest passion was being a husband to his beloved wife of more than 50
years, a father to his three wonderful daughters and a Papa to his
adored grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, John J. Martin is survived by his wife, Dorothea "Debbie"
(nee Beale) Martin; three daughters, Jennifer (John) Nolan, Michelle
(William) Vivian and Christine (Joseph) Insera; four grandchildren, John
"Jack," Joseph, Luke and Riley; siblings, Michael (Luanne) Martin,

Kathleen (Robert) Sweeney and Mary (Gerald) Philbin; sisters and
brothers-in-law, Mary (John Wegrczyn), Ralph Beale, Regina (Don) Zink,
JoAnn (Kevin) Cleary, Ray (Patty) Beale, Paul (Linda) Beale, Madonna
(Jim Hrycay) Beale, Eileen (Johnny) Gallagher and Bernadette (Kevin)
Wallace; as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends; and

WHEREAS, John J. Martin's infinite selflessness and benevolence will
shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight and
strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the
countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, John J. Martin leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who
were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will be
deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative
Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of John J. Martin, and expressing its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of John J. Martin.