Michael Edmund Martin

Michael "Mike" Edmund Martin - The man. The myth. The legend. A family man, master craftsman, old-school autobody man, animal lover, and comedian to those who knew him-and even those who didn't.

Mike, lovingly nicknamed "Teddy Bear" by his daughter, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. He leaves behind his daughter, Danielle Wright (34), and her husband, Ryan Wright (38); his one-month-old grandson, Dawson Wright; his son, Giacchino "Frankie" Culotta (36) who fondly called Mike "Pops"; and Barbara Amend (69), his ex-wife and confidant of 31 years. Mike and Barbara were married for 20 years and remained best friends until his final day.

Everything Mike did was for his family, whom he loved dearly. After moving from New Jersey to Wilmington, NC, in 1995, he built a beautiful life for them. He loved building things, learning and teaching, cooking, going on adventures, listening to 80's music, and spending time with his Siberian Huskies. He was known for his love of boating, camping, four-wheeling adventures, and simply enjoying life with friends and family. Fearless and always up for a good time, he was the life of the party and lit up every room he entered. He was the king of jokes and witty comebacks and was always ready to share a laugh. Mike had a loud, contagious laugh-the kind that made you laugh even more. If you asked him what the best decade was, he'd say the '80s-some of the best years of his life, filled with friendship and hard work.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Mike was a self-made man with humble beginnings. He had a passion for cars and machines from an early age and taught himself how to fix things. A self proclaimed graduate of the "School of Hard Knocks," he started working in a body shop as a young man and, through years of hands-on experience, worked his way up from novice to expert. He eventually owned his own shop, Tri-State Auto Refinishing, in New Jersey.

Beyond cars, he was an all-around handyman. While most people master one trade, Mike had the rare gift of excelling at anything he set his mind to. From flooring to plumbing to electrical work, he was the man with a plan-the one you called when you didn't know how to do something. Mike had a humble way of teaching and sharing his handyman skills without seeming pretentious. Many friends and family would say they learned so much from him. He never settled for "good enough"; everything he did was as close to perfect as humanly possible. The most incredible part? He was self-taught, often learning simply by watching others. He could pick up a skill and master it with remarkable speed-a true visionary.

He was a big, strong man with the kindest, most loving heart. With a natural charm and a gift for words, he always made those around him laugh and feel at ease. He gave excellent advice and the biggest, best hugs. His presence made you feel like you could do anything-he was inspiring in that way. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was always there for others, even at his own expense-the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back.

Mike was a larger than life personality who will be forever deeply missed by all who loved him. He was one in a million-and will be cherished always.

Until we meet again...