It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart, that we announce the passing of our brother Luke Christopher Martin, of Lee. He died peacefully at home on March 25th. Luke was born on December 5, 1961, the 6th of eleven children, to the late Arthur and Lois Chatel Martin.

He was a graduate of Lenox High School class of 1980. While in high school, highlights included being a cast member of the inaugural, 'Shakespeare in the Schools' lead production of 'As You Like It' as well as an accomplished harrier on the cross country team.

Luke was a gifted tradesman, master builder and the consummate jack of all trades. Much of his talent was inherited from his father, whom he worked with constructing homes in Becket Woods. Later he became an intricate member of the construction team led by his brother Ted, and brothers Paul and Peter. From framing to finish carpentry, sheetrock to electrical, Luke was exceptional. His talents led him to become a trusted caretaker and handyman for various properties throughout South County, and most recently, he worked alongside his brother-in-law Chris on numerous engineered fabrication projects.

Luke's true calling was the outdoors, with an unrelenting passion for volunteering and making our world a better place.

For many, many years he groomed and maintained the trail system of Kennedy Park and served as a board member of the Kennedy Park Commission. Countless hours were donated for this endeavor which included the construction of the Gazebo on Umbrella Hill, with Paul; many days culminated with building an evening blaze and the enjoyment of cold libations in the park.

He was also an active volunteer at Gould Meadows in Stockbridge, helped at Flag Rock on Monument Mountain and at the trailhead of Longcope Park in Lee. Luke would meticulously maintain the softball field on Marble Street in Lee, was an annual volunteer at the Josh Billings, and the list goes on. He made many friends during these adventures, including the late John Keator, with whom he constructed the annual pumpkin-lit trek to the Backwoods Bar and Grill, and the late, great, conservationist Gige Darey, whom he worked at the Mount in Lenox and enjoyed many outdoor adventures. Always upbeat, funny and quick with a joke, Luke was the entertainment at many family croquet matches and brought great humor wherever he traveled.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Arthur in 1964. He is survived by his five sisters: Pamela Roberts (Rick Foster) of Lenox, Rebecca Fuore (William) of Lenox, Beatrice Wood (Jefferson) of Holliston, Molly Vreeland (Chris) of West Stockbridge, and Jennifer Grimes (Dayton) of Union Mills, NC and four brothers: Ted (Kelly) of Spring Hill, FL, Paul (Lisa Sauer) of Stockbridge, Peter (Anne Lyons) of Santa Fe, NM and Jonathan (Betsy Strickler) of Lee. He is also survived by nephews Josh and Ian Roberts, Craig and Derek Martin, Robert and Daniel Fuore and Tobias Wood, and nieces Ava and Anna Martin, Donna Wood and Lydia Vreeland, numerous other extended family, and his dear friend Sonny Biasin for whom he was a caregiver for many years.

Per Luke's wishes, all services will be private. In lieu of flowers, we ask those wishing to honor Luke to make a donation in his memory to Kennedy Park, in care of the Roche Funeral Home 120 Main St., Lenox, MA 01240. To leave messages of condolences or to share stories please visit rochefuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Mar. 29, 2025.