William S. Martin Sr.

William Spencer Martin Sr. "Pop" March 16th 1925 to June 3, 2018 He was born in Binghamton NY in 1925, to his father, Russell Martin and mother, Ruth Brigham Martin along with his brothers Richard, Bud and Russell Jr. Pop was only 4 when the Great Depression started and a 14 year old young man coming of age at its end. Growing up in such a turbulent time in our history may have negatively affected many people but not Dad. He often spoke of days spent fishing on the banks the Chenango River with homemade cane fishing poles. The fact that he was fishing to help feed his family was something he never really thought about but was never lost on those of us that knew him. The remainder of his childhood was much the same as children the world over. Playing baseball with friends, hunting small game with homemade sling slots and just general tomfoolery. At 19 like millions of young men in this great nation Dad was swept into WWII . Originally trained as a medic outside Chicago Ill. Dad was assigned to the 102nd Fighting Ozarks out of Missouri. A cannon company the 102nd is where Pop found his true place in the war to come. His company commander noticing his proficiency with the 105mm cannon had then Private Martin transferred to a cannon squad . Landing in Cherbourg France on Sept 23, 1944 the 102nd marched across central Europe, engaging the enemy for the first time on Oct 26 as they advanced towards the Roar river. Meeting heavy enemy resistance outside Wilsede and Hessisch-Oldendorf on April 12 , 1945 the 102nd eventually pushed on to the Rhine river and a handshake with Russian troops on its banks on May 3 , 1945. Dad rarely spoke of his time in the Military. He spoke with great fondness for the people he met there, his time skiing the alps and his fellow service members. One incident he did speak about played a big part of who William Martin was morally and ethically and helped shaped his character in the future. On April 15th 1945 outside a small german town the 102nd came across a most horrific war crime. German Troops forced nearly 1100 men women and children from the concentration camps at Gardelegen and Mittelbau-Dora into a a barn which was then riddled with gunfire and set ablaze. Finding only two survivors, that had been protected by the mountain of dead bodies , the men of the 102nd got their first look at the horrors committed by an enemy they would eventually defeat. The end of WWII found now Private first class Martin returning home to the greatest period historically this nation has known. Bill spoke fondly of clubs, big band music and jobs making $25 a week and feeling rich. Eventually marrying and later divorcing his first wife Phyllis, Dad then met and married our Mom, Lillis Martin (Browne) on May 31, 1963 in New Millford, PA . Mom brought four wonderful children into Dad’s life Chuck, Vikki, Holly and Scott and soon they added two more to the family, JoAnn and Bill Jr.. The early years found the Martin family living in a variety of locations throughout upstate NY, including several years in McDonough, NY where mom and Dad spent months rehabbing an old house only to have it burn down right before completion. In its place they built a beautiful colonial house complete with pillars and pond out back. Eventually ending up outside St. Albans, Vt Dad worked as a salesman for a major typewriter company before training as a television repair technician. The next move found the family in Oxford, NY. where Pop opened his t.v. and Hifi stereo store. Often said by him to be his happiest years, Dad found great satisfaction in his new job. Always great with his hands Dad was never afraid to take on any project , big or small. My childhood was spent on a variety of projects at family farms and homes learning the art of the handyman from one of the best I knew. Eventually finding his forever home Mom and Dad settled in the Whitney Point area in the early 1970's. Active in the community, Dad coached girls softball, was a troop leader for boy scouts and loved to golf and fish. He loved to complain about politics and politicians and never came across a good argument he couldn't join. A people person, we couldn't go anywhere without Dad stopping to talk to everybody. At a red light out the car window, in line at the store , the lady at the DMV , didn't matter, next thing you know they were sharing life stories and talking about the weather. I remember my trips to the Syracuse VA with Dad. We couldn't go anywhere up there without people recognizing him. As a child, well you know, everything is annoying, but later in life i came to realize this was his greatest asset. The ability to make a complete stranger open up and talk was a gift not given to many but blessed on Dad in spades. The later years slowed William down little. Golfing often, up until recently, was still one of Dad's passions. Living in our home with Brian, Allison and Austin, 3 of his large group of grandkids and great grandkids, was what ‘kept him young’ he liked to say. As recently as 2012 Pop was driving across the country on our move to ND including a 24 hour marathon on our return trip. I believe he was more excited to return to his beloved NYS more then we were. William's greatest loves , aside from family of course, were his time spent singing in the church choir, performing in community theater and watching my sister JoAnn and I perform in school at WPCS. Music was a huge part of his life and playing his beloved keyboard was always a welcome sound in my home. His pride was always the greatest when talking about his kids and grandkids, no matter if he was watching them play sports, sing in choir or act in plays. He would watch with a heart full of pride and a tear in his eye knowing he was the beginning of it all. He was a kind and generous man, who selflessly gave all he had to help those he loved. He was the type of man who would give you the shirt off his back. He loved a good laugh and had quite a sense of humor. He enjoyed the summers we spent camping, playing games, his boat and ‘taking the scenic route’. The knowledge and skills taught to me by my Dad are immeasurable. His love of life, music and people are gifts passed to both my sister and I (although I could never out gab him or out sing her) and my children. His guidance, love and support shaped who my children are and will be in the future and I couldn't be more thankful. Dad was never one to inflate himself and never thought he was more important than any other person. But Dad, let me say, “you were somebody to so many and everything to a very lucky few”. Our recent time together was some of my most treasured. Watching him help raise my children, talking for hours and singing country music. Last song we sang together was "a boy named sue" by Johnny Cash. He got such a kick out of that song. Thanks for making this Boy named Sue a man Dad . You did good. While the loss of such a major part of life can never be described adequately, rest assured Dad, we, the caretakers of your DNA , will take your knowledge, lessons and love of life forward into the future. Be at peace now . Give Mom a big hug and don’t worry , we will finish our argument in the future. I'll find you one way or another ‘old man’........... William will be interred in the national cemetery at Arlington in the near future . A place of honor, respect and dignity , he will take his place in the history of this great nation he fought for and loved so much. 

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