Dr. John "Jack" DeMartin, a devoted family man and longtime Fairfield dentist, passed away after a short illness on Sunday, February 22, in Fort Myers, Florida, at the age of 93.

    A lifelong resident of Fairfield, Jack and his identical twin brother, Bob, were born on March 28, 1932, to Susie Lanzo DeMartin and Jack DeMartin. Inseparable throughout their lives, the brothers attended Sherman School and Fairfield Prep, graduating in 1950. They went on to the University of Vermont while serving in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, and later continued their studies together at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, where they each earned their DDS. Shortly after graduating, the brothers returned to Fairfield and opened DeMartin Dental on Sherman Street.

    Jack was deeply connected to the Fairfield community he served for more than four decades. Known for his kindness and dedication to his patients, he often saw people after hours or on weekends, waived fees for those unable to pay, and seemed to know nearly everyone in town by name. Jack and his brother practiced dentistry together for over 40 years until his retirement in 2002.

    While caring for patients at Carolton Convalescent Hospital, Jack met the love of his life, Joanne Weiss, the hospital's Director of Nursing. They were married on New Year's Eve in 1968 and welcomed two daughters, Alicia and Joanna.

    An avid golfer and skier, Jack and Joanne were longtime members of Brooklawn Country Club, where they formed many close friendships. During the winters, the family enjoyed skiing throughout the East and eventually out West with Jack and Bob's childhood friend Rolf Sandberg and the legendary Norwegian Olympic alpine skier Stein Eriksen. The three men shared a lifelong friendship. Jack and his family eventually followed Sandberg and Eriksen to Park City, Utah, where he and his brother owned homes for many decades.

    In 1959, Jack met his friend and mentor, the American West painter Robert Lougheed. Through this relationship, Jack developed a lifelong love of plein air painting. His work reflected a deep appreciation for the landscape, and his beautiful paintings proudly hang in the homes of his family.

    Jack was a man of many interests and a familiar presence in many corners of the Fairfield community. He was a devoted member of the town's dog-walking group, a regular at lunchtime with fellow dentists at the picnic tables on the town green, a loyal Yankees fan, and a lifelong animal lover—Jack never met an animal he didn't like.

    Jack was predeceased by his wife, Joanne Weiss DeMartin, and his sister, Eleanor Ward. He is survived by his brother, Robert DeMartin, and sister-in-law, Robin DeMartin; his daughters, Alicia DeMartin of Deep River, Connecticut, and Joanna DeMartin and her partner, David Guglielmo, of Weston, Connecticut; his beloved grandchildren, Gillan and Eleanor; and his nephew, Robert DeMartin Jr., and his family.

    The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Meka Helga Komo for her loving care toward the end of Jack's life.

    A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. For service updates or to leave a condolence, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.

    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Animal Kind, 721 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534, the rescue organization where Jack's beloved cat, Cherry, was adopted.