Harold-Martin-Obituary

Harold "Lefty" Martin

Trotwood, Ohio

Aug 20, 1940 – Jan 13, 2025

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BORN
August 20, 1940
DIED
January 13, 2025
LOCATION
Trotwood, Ohio

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Harold "Lefty" Martin, a cherished mentor, coach, and community leader, passed away on January 13, 2025. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Harold served as Chief of Recreation Therapy at the VA Hospital in Dayton for 28 years. He also spent seven years as Head Coach at the University of...

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Coach "Lefty" Martin had many great accomplishments but the one I identify most with is his Northwest Track Club. He carefully chose his coaches and could have a hundred athletes on and around the track simultaneously with each one totally focused, getting the best training, with everything finished in exactly one hour. It was simply amazing! Yours, Coach Austin

Our deepest Condolences to the Martin family and friends from the Jones family. I would like to thank Coach for all the mentoring and encouragement as I pursued a career in Education/Coaching. In each one of my stop, high school or college, he alway asked questions that got my mine turning. I really appreciate you taking the time to teach and share with me at every juncture of my career. Rest Easy Coach Martin.

I enjoyed working Track Meets with Lefty good man.

From the start of the Trotwood Summer Track Club, we watched "Lefty" Martin and the Martin family dedicate themselves to a mission to help young athletes become outstanding performers in track, field, and most importantly, life. Our sons, Alfred Watkins, Chris Watkins, and Robert Tootle participated in the early years of the club and enjoyed traveling the country for various track meets. We appreciate the investment of time, wisdom, and even personal treasure into the development our young...

Rest in Peace Coach Martin and will say your coaching in the sport of Track and field made a big difference for a lot of kid's growing up on the west side of the city.So thanks for all the great coaching.

One of our greatest youth mentors and Track Referee. Harold "Lefty" Martin had a tremendous impact on the professional development of our USATF Youth Meet Management Team of which those key members, who put in the work and education are still excelling today as USATF Officials. Rest on dear friend and mentor. Mrs. Brenda I love you tremendously and thank you for everything. "Praise the Lord"

Although I never ran track for him I am fortunate to say that I ran along side of him as he served the University of Dayton community as coach of the women's track team. Coach Martin was a wonderful person to partner with to support the young women of the UD program. While I "might" have provided insight to working within the University's processes he definitely provided life lessons to me. When my own father passed away Lefty was a supportive presence for me as I observed his own...

My Condolences to the Martin Family. Coach Martin had a plan to help people of all ages. I witnessed him sharing his time and knowledge to many aspiring kids. I am honored to share how he helped facilitate my growth, maturity and opportunity to attend college; just one of the many kids. RIP Coach!

Lefty and I were roommates at the 2001 World Youth Track and Field Championships in Hungary. Over these many years we always recalled where to place Allyson Felix on the final day’s mile relay team. We, in our lighter moments, when not talking about our fraternity and the Pittsburgh Steelers, laughed about the odd toilet design and its water tank and chain that were interestingly installed high up on the wall.
Upon entering the room and immediately taking note of the unusual...