Obituary of Bruce G. Martin

Bruce Gordon Martin, 82,  March 10, 1938 – January 23, 2021

Bruce Gordon Martin passed peacefully on January 23, 2021 with his family by his side in Winter Haven, FL, following a brief hospitalization due to COVID-19. He was born in Canastota NY, the son of the late Harry and Beatrice Martin, and predeceased by brother Ronald Martin. Bruce spent his entire life residing in Chittenango NY. He was a talented three sport athlete who played football, basketball, and baseball for the Bears, graduating from Chittenango High School in 1956. After high school, Bruce spent his life successfully leading a revered fourth generation family farming business in the rolling hills of Cazenovia NY. There he enjoyed numerous outdoor activities including, gardening, picking berries, walking, and hunting. Following his time on the family farm, he worked as an electrical control board quality control specialist for Carrier Corporation, a sales representative for Chase Pitkin, and served on the Town of Sullivan’s Assessment Review Board.

For those that knew Bruce (aka Lefty, PITA, Eagle Eye, or Ace) he will always be remembered for his mischievous sense of humor, his infectious personality, and amazing ability to make and keep friends throughout the entirety of his life. Bruce was also a man of many talents and hobbies. He was a skilled golfer who spent treasured time at his Tuesday morning senior golf league and loved watching SU games with his daughter Wende. He frequently spent time with his cherished friends within the Winter Haven Colony Club community and was a proud member of both the Woodcrest Golf Course and United Methodist Church of Chittenango. Bruce was an avid card player (bidding unconditionally in pitch) and was known for his devoted care and fondness for his two favorite pets - Teddy and TJ. His easy-going fondness transcended more than his pets though. Bruce shared genuine compassion for everyone around him. As such he would always say, “I am easy to love,” and truthfully, each of his family and friends would whole heartedly agree (most of the time).

Surviving to cherish his memory are his six loving children Jeffrey B. Martin (April) of Cazenovia NY, Wende E. Martin of Chittenango NY, David R. Martin of Skaneateles NY, Caralynn N. Callaghan of Eau Claire, WI, Gordon D. Martin of Clearwater, FL, and Larry T. Martin (Sara) of Cazenovia NY, sisters Karen Schadel (Ed) of Charlotte NC and Diane Maring of Chittenango NY, his beloved sister in law and brother in law Nancy and Richard Flanigan, fifteen grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Most importantly, Bruce is survived by the love of his life Barbara (Thompson).  Barb and Bruce were High School sweethearts, married in 1957. They endured every aspect of life together and created a beautiful family and network of friends. Their love and the lives they touched continue to define Bruce’s legacy, and represent the life of not a good man, but a great one. 

The family is planning a celebration of life in New York in the summer of 2021.

Donations can be made in memory of Bruce Martin to the United Methodist Church of Chittenango, 205 Falls Boulevard, Chittenango New York 13037 or to BayCare Hospice in Winter Haven, Florida.