Obituary of Robert A. Martin

Robert Anthony Martin, age 83, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 11, 2023.

He is survived by a son, Michael Martin, of Walla Walla, WA; a daughter, Maureen Valus, and her husband Bill, of Fairfield; three grandchildren, Austin (A.J.), of Chicago, IL, Katie and Mark Valus, both of Fairfield; brothers Arthur, of Canonsburg, PA and Thomas and his wife Marianne, of Closter, NJ, a loving extended family and many cherished lifelong friends. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Deanna Veronica Martin, his sister Teresa and her husband, Robert Van Etten, of Tenafly, NJ, and his sister-in-law Marjorie (Peggy) Martin of Canonsburg, PA.

Born and raised in the Parkchester neighborhood of The Bronx, NY, Robert was the son of the late Arthur and Anna Martin. He graduated from Manhattan Prep and Manhattan College in Riverdale, NY. He began his career in sales with the Scott Paper Company and was for many years an executive in the food brokerage industry, culminating in senior roles with ESM Ferolie in Montvale, NJ (now CA Ferolie).

Robert loved living in Fairfield for the past 48 years. He was a longtime parishioner of St Pius X Church and actively supported his children and grandchildren's sporting endeavors. He could be found, always with his bucket hat on, watching (not cheering or yelling) every hockey, baseball, football, dance recital, gymnastics meet, field hockey game, and anxiously awaiting the results of golf matches. He traveled to numerous destinations around the world with his wife, Deanna, and many of their family and friends. Visits to the water, from his early days visiting Rockaway Beach as a child, his parent's summer home in Hampton Bays, NY, the Cayman Islands, Long Beach Island on the N.J. Shore, and the Long Island Sound beaches of Fairfield, were among his favorites.

An avid reader and World War II historian, his beach visits would typically be accompanied by a book and a cooler full of Diet Coke. In recent years, he has been a frequent visitor to his son's winery and restaurant businesses in Walla Walla, with his "consulting services" ranging from grape bin washing, fruit sorting, and meatball quality evaluation. A cancer survivor for over ten years, his bravery and courage in enduring its extensive treatment and its side effects has served as an inspiration to many and will remain a lasting inspiration for those whom he touched in life.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2023, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, in Fairfield. Interment will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Operation Hope, 636 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824 (www.OperationHopeCT.org).

For travel directions or to sign his online guest register, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com