Family/Spouse: MARTIN, Charles. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Posted: Saturday, November 1, 2014 1:49 pm


Donald F. "Pete" Martin, of Sanborn, NY, passed away on October 30, 2014, at Eastern Niagara Hospital, Newfane, NY. Pete was born on October 22, 1930, in Wilson, NY, the son of the late Charles and Clara (Frederecks) Martin.

Pete joined the Sanborn Fire Co. on September 28, 1959, where he took his first E F Course from Ed Roll. Over the years, he had taken at least 27 State Courses, including at the N.Y. State Fire Academy in Montour Falls, NY and the National Fire Academy in Emmittsburg, MD. He was appointed Fire Company Foreman in 1966, elected 2nd Asst. Chief in 1969, 1st Asst. Chief in 1972, Chief in 1976, 2nd Asst. Chief in 1978, and Chief from 1979-1982. Other Fire Co. offices he held were Treasurer in 1984, Vice-President 1985-88, President from 1988-92, then Treasurer from 1993-97, President of the Niagara County Fire Chiefs Association in 1983, President of the Niagara County Volunteer Firemen's Association in 1997. He started the Bingo Committee for the Sanborn Fire Co. in 1968 and was Sanborn's first Bingo Chairman, and was still an active Bingo worker. He served on the Line of Duty Committee for both the N.C.V.F.A. and N.C.F.C.A for six years, Chairman for the last three years. He had served on the last six truck committees for Sanborn Fire Co., also on the Building Committee for the New Truck Hall addition. He has served as President of the Niagara County Firemen's Bingo Association for the last six years. In 2003, Pete was the recipient of the Watson Award.

In 1949, Pete played on the Wilson Lakemen Six Man Football team that ran the gamut with three consecutive undefeated seasons. Coached by Walter J. Hutchison, they went on a 17-game winning streak and three straight League Championships. Pete was inducted into the Wilson High School Hall of Fame in 2009.

Pete served his country in the United States Air Force where he was a Radar Operator. He also was employed as an Engineering Technician at Harrison Radiator. Mr. Martin enjoyed golfing, gardening, mowing his lawn, looking at the Autumn leaves, Christmas lights and loved to spend time at the Sanborn Fire Hall. Pete also belonged to the American Legion and Oddfellows.

Pete is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Clara M. Read; they were married on October 27, 1951. He leaves behind his four daughters who he referred to as "Pete's Girls": Pamela (late Peter) Treichler, Elizabeth (Dennis) Lawler, Elena Martin and Wendy (Randy Wysocki) Martin; grand-daughters, Miranda (Thomas) Josker and Jennifer Wysocki; sister, Betty (late Albert) Goater. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Martin was the brother of the late Stanley Martin and Ruth Phillips.

The family will be present Sunday, November 9, 2014, from 12-4:00 PM at the Sanborn Fire Company, 5811 Buffalo St., Sanborn, NY, where funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM, with Rev. Matthew Kofahl officiating. Military honors will follow the services. Memorials in Pete's name can be made to Sanborn Fire Company, 5811 Buffalo St., Sanborn, NY. Arrangements through the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, Sanborn, NY.

Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com for guest register.

Donald married READ, Clara Mae on 27 Oct 1951 in Sanborn, Town of Lewiston, Niagara County, NY. Clara (daughter of READ, Lionel J and SANBORN, Viola) was born on 1 Jan 1933 in Sanborn, Niagara County, NY; died on 25 Jul 2023 in Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Kenmore, Erie County, NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: GOATER, Albert. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: PHILLIPS. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: LAWLER, Dennis. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: TREICHLER, Peter B. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: WYSOCKI, Randy. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]