John "Jack" Martin Sr.

Attorney John J. “Jack” Martin, Sr., 83, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday morning, July 16, 2017. Jack died of congestive heart failure, having fought his battle courageously, never losing his keen wit or incredible sense of humor. His family will be forever grateful for having had the opportunity to say goodbye. Born in Pittsfield on August 1, 1933 the son of Frederick W. and Julia Hoover Martin, he was a 1951 graduate of St. Joseph Central High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1955 and a law degree from Boston University in 1958. After completing his education, Jack returned to Pittsfield with his wife, “Bobbie”, as an associate of the late Silvio O. Conte’s firm, until Conte was elected to Congress. In 1986, after practicing for many years as a solo practitioner, his oldest son, John, joined the firm and his youngest son, Bill, joined the practice a few years later. He was thrilled that two of his grandsons, Thomas and Michael, also joined the firm and two more, Daniel and Joseph, are in law school. Throughout Jack’s career he served clients with passion, commitment and the utmost loyalty. His counsel and advice was appreciated by each client, who more often than not became a close, loyal and lifetime friend, for which he was most grateful. While his career was important, nothing meant more to Jack than his wife and family. Jack and Bobbie were childhood sweethearts and were inseparable throughout his entire life. His children were everything to him. He looked forward to David, the second son of a second son, and his wife taking him and Bobbie to Saratoga each year on his birthday. He spent hours reading to Beth, his favorite daughter, who he called “Bird”, when she was young and loved watching her ski as she grew up. Jack and Bobbie traveled extensively and were able to see many wonderful sites. Early on, they camped as a young family and took road trips to Florida and Myrtle Beach and more recently enjoyed trips with their entire family, including all four children, their spouses and eight grandchildren: Tom, Mike, Danny, Jackie, Jake, Katie, Joe, and Emily. They enjoyed ski trips and trips to Lake George, but the fondest family memories were from the time they spent together at their home on Onota Lake. They raised all of their children on the lake and spent countless hours with them together on the waterfront, enjoying every outdoor activity imaginable. Jack knew how fortunate he was. He watched all of his children grow, graduate from college, marry, return home and have children of their own. He observed and participated in an uncountable number of his grandchildren’s activities and he and Bobbie continued to host regular family get-togethers up to the moment of his passing. There were always children or grandchildren present in their home. His mind was sharp until the end and he continued to have a remarkable memory. He could tell stories and jokes like no other. Jack was active in numerous professional civil and religious activities, including service as a member of the Executive Committee and Treasurer of the Berkshire County Bar Association, a position he held for many years and enjoyed immensely, particularly relishing the opportunity to present the Association’s yearly financial report at the annual Bar Association dinner, where he brought laughter and smiles to all. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Boys’ and Girls’ Club, an advocate for the Berkshire County Knights of Columbus and a past Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hillcrest Hospital, overseeing the building and construction of the first major building addition. He was President of the Notre Dame Parish Council, a Trustee of the Silvio O. Conte Scholarship Foundation and a member of the Berkshire Community College Board of Trustees. Jack is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Roberta “Bobbie” Clark, whom he married on September 1, 1956 at St. Mark’s Church. He also leaves his four children, John J. Martin, Jr. and his wife Susan, David M. Martin and his wife Anne, William E. Martin and his wife Lisa and Beth Martin Flaherty and her husband Timothy; a brother, James A. Martin and his wife Phyllis; 8 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, Thomas J. Martin (Amanda) and their daughter, Mia, Michael J. Martin (Kathryn), Daniel J. Martin (Nikki Stone), Jacqueline M. Martin, Jacob M. Martin, Catherine A. Martin (Nathan Bovard), Joseph R. Martin and Emily C. Martin. His older brother Frederick W. Martin passed away on August 19, 2014. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Mr. John J. Martin, Sr. will be Thursday, July 20, 2017, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00AM at St. Mark’s Church celebrated by the Rev. David Aufiero, Pastor and co-celebrated by Rev. John Smegal, Pastor of St. Brigid’s Church in Amherst, MA. Burial will be at a later date. At Jack’s insistence, there will be no formal calling hours, instead the family will host a time for friends to share memories and to come and go as they please at the Dwyer Funeral Home from 4:00PM to 7:00PM on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s honor to the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of the Berkshires, in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield MA. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.

John "Jack" Martin Sr.

August 1, 1933 - July 16, 2017