Martin "Marty" Lafferty

Martin "Marty" Lafferty obituary, Malden, MA

Martin "Marty" Lafferty

Martin Lafferty Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Goldman Funeral Chapel - Malden on Apr. 7, 2024.

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Kind, generous and beloved husband, father and grandfather, Marty Lafferty, of Amesbury, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly on April 5, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Sari Lafferty, children and their spouses, Alana Lafferty and Erez Amit, David and Emily Lafferty, and grandchildren, Bear and Ryder Amit and Ada Lafferty. Marty grew up in Niskayuna, NY and developed a passion for directing, boating and skiing that kept him busy every season for his entire life. Marty was professionally trained as a film and television producer-director, earning his MFA at the Yale School of Drama, who more recently made his passion for safe boating into his legacy educating others through America's Boating Channel. His impressive career included overseeing the first multi-channel television coverage of the Summer Olympics for NBC; the creation and launch of Headline News and TNT for Turner Broadcasting; and serving in video content management roles at Microsoft TV, FutureVision, and Tempo TV.
He has been recognized with numerous awards including the National Cable Television Association President's Award for executive producing telecasts of the cable industry's annual national programming awards show with Dick Clark Productions. From 2002 onwards, Marty was a managing partner of Lafferty Media Partners, LLC (LMP), advancing creative projects, providing management and creative services. Marty was actively involved at all levels and was a Past District Commander (P/D/C) and Advanced Pilot (AP) of the United States Power Squadrons, also known as America's Boating Club. He loved spending time boating, skiing, reading, and dining with his family. Marty established a scholarship fund for Niskayuna High School Students. Marty and Sari were among the founding members of Congregation Ahavat Olam.
Memorial Service will be held: Wednesday April 10, 2024 at 10:30am at Congregation Ahavat Olam, 1600 Osgood St #3068, North Andover, MA 01845, service will be followed by a memorial brunch. Service Zoom link is available by request from the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ahavat Olam, or United States Power Squadrons.

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April 18, 2024

Mark and Patti Eney posted to the memorial.

April 17, 2024

Ellen Cooper posted to the memorial.

April 11, 2024

Bradley Cook posted to the memorial.

32 Entries

Mark and Patti Eney

April 18, 2024

Sari, I am at a loss for what to say to you. Marty was such a perfect match for you, and I am sure you are lost without him. Mark and I are keeping you and your family in our prayers as you walk this road.
I will always remember our fun times with the Kent Narrows Sail and Power Squadron, especially how you took Mark and me to our first raft up on your boat and then to dinner with your other friends. I will miss Marty´s smile, his easygoing nature, and his utter devotion to the United State Power Squadron and to boater education and safety. His was a life well lived.

Ellen Cooper

April 17, 2024

Sari and family, I am sending my deepest condolences for your loss. I think of Marty every single day. He had a huge impact on me-hired me for the NBC Olympics 90-92 and again at Streamsearch in 2000. I learned so much from him. Lessons that I use to this day. I will carry his memory and energy with me always. May you take solace in the many many people like me whose lives he touched. Rest in Peace dear Marty.

Bradley Cook

April 11, 2024

Sari, David, Alana, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. we all loved Marty and I am so grateful for our many years of freindship, laughter, and my first job. May you be comforted with all of the mourners of Jerusalem and zion.

Tammy Brown

April 11, 2024

Dear Sari and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Marty was with us in spirit at IBWSS and we all will miss him terribly.

Bonnie and bob krieg

April 10, 2024

Sari bob and I are heartbroken to hear about Marty. We are so glad you spent a week with us in Michigan last summer. Please know you are always welcome to visit again. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

mark Galasso

April 10, 2024

The Kent Narrows Sail and Power Squadron thrived under Marty's watch. He will be sorely missed. He and Sari infused life and energy into the squadron and boating in our area in general. So sorry to hear of his passing.

Mark (P/C) and Vali Galasso

Dan McCombs

April 10, 2024

We only spent time with Marty for one day, and he treated us like family, letting Simon sit with him and help steer the boat like he was his own grandson. His kindness will be very much missed.

Willis

April 9, 2024

I am so sorry to hear of Marty's passing. I was fortunate to work with him when he was at FutureVision and I was at the Food Network. He was a visionary for the video business and always a pleasure to work with. I loved following his work on the Boating Channel, another passion of Marty's-always trying to help others. Rest in peace.

Dan McCombs

April 9, 2024

Dan McCombs

April 9, 2024

Dan McCombs

April 9, 2024

We had the opportunity to spend just one day with Marty, on a boating trip out to the Isle of Shoals as part of his granddaughter Ada's birthday in 2022. He was so kind and eager to share his passion with a new generation, letting our 8 year old son Simon sit in his lap to help steer the boat for quite a while coming back to Portsmouth as if he were his own grandson. It's something I don't think we or Simon will forget. Thank you Marty.

Nina McGarry

April 8, 2024

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Marty. He was always bigger than life. His enthusiasm and positive attitude was infectious. Because of Marty and Sari, I would travel to Kent island power squadron meetings. Marty will be missed. My condolences to Sari and family

J Brian Becker

April 8, 2024

First memory is when he came before the District 5 Nominating Committee.
PDC Anderson was chair, it was an interesting "far-reaching" interview.

He has done well for the United States Power Squadrons... may he rest in peace and his loved ones cared for jbb

Sallie Olmsted

April 8, 2024

Saddened to hear this news about Marty. I met him at work, at TV Answer/Eon, an early interactive TV company. Always on the edge of what was new and interesting in cable and broadcast TV to the company. He was highly creative, very funny and a joy to work with, even when the business wasn't advancing as quickly as we would have liked. Marty was also a family man, who loved to entertain and gather friends together. I have fond memories of participating in the Lafferty Croquet Tournament in Pennsylvania. Sending my condolences to Sari & family, and all who knew Marty. He will be greatly missed.

Kent Gibbons

April 8, 2024

I worked with Marty early in my journalism career while he was at FutureVision and always enjoyed his company and was happy to stay in touch with him over the years. Very sorry to hear of his passing and would like to extend my sympathy to his family and friends.

Dick Nitschke

April 8, 2024

Marty made a rapid rise from squadron commander to District 5 commander. That's when I first knew him. He was a super commander - energetic, enthusiastic, professional, providing an up-lifting motivation for all. I thought he was one of the best commanders we ever had. He was personal and friendly to all. Marty's work on planning the episodes for America's, selecting subject and location, getting volunteers to make the productions happen was incredible. It consumed his life every summer for several years. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to know both Marty and his lively wife Sari. Marty was a powerhouse that be so greatly missed. Fair winds and following seas my friend.

Shaul

April 8, 2024

Sari, you and your entire family have my warmest and most sincere condolences.
Shaul Janes

Dwight Bues

April 8, 2024

We worked together in United States Power Squadrons, District 5 and I always remember Marty as a gregarious guy who always had the panache to talk people into volunteering for various projects.

ANTHONY D MARTIN

April 8, 2024

What a loss to all who knew Marty. He and Sari hosted Noreen and I at their home on two occasions during my term as Commander of the ASPS. I will always remember him as friendly, humorous and welcoming.

Gary Arlen

April 8, 2024

Deepest sympathies to Sari and family. Happy memories of Marty's smile and enthusiasm and friendly support, often with his unique wry crinkle about whatever was going on.

Philip Lelyveld

April 7, 2024

I am so sorry to learn of Marty's passing. He and I had many wonderful discussions at industry events in LA.

Ira Spector

April 7, 2024

Donna and I are shocked, saddened and heartbroken to hear of Marty's sudden passing. Both of you have been gracious to us and were wonderful role models. We fondly remember attending your croquet tournaments and many other functions. Although we have not seen you in person in awhile, you have always been close to our hearts. We join you in remembering Marty fondly and offer you our deepest condolences.

Donna and Ira Spector
Sherri Besmer, MD and Ilana Spector

Jeff McKinney

April 7, 2024

Marty has always been a terrific friend and resource. I am diminished by his passing, and pray for Sari and his family.

Susan kuemmel

April 7, 2024

Susan kuemmel

April 7, 2024

Susan kuemmel

April 7, 2024

Susan kuemmel

April 7, 2024

Marty was the quintessential optimist and. So creative, dynamic, engaged. He always energized our group when he came to film videos for America's Boating Channel. Always inclusive, always encouraging our "starlets", and always bringing out the best in us. It was a privilege to be able to host he and Sari while they spent time here in Chattanooga. Looking at the world through a camera lens (Always!) gave him a unique perspective. He was always thinking ahead and driving forward. Now he is out there in God's country, no doubt with a camera in hand and visions of what is coming next. God bless him and the treasured memories he left behind for his family and friends.

Diane Leasure

April 7, 2024

Sari - there are no words to express the tremendous grief we feel after learning of Marty´s passing. We are positively heartbroken for you and your family. We hope you find great comfort in your years of wonderful memories and in the love and support of family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ralph & Diane Leasure

Jennifer

April 7, 2024

Sari and family, grieving your loss with you, Marty was so full of life! We will miss him!!Glynn and Jenn, ABC Chattanooga

William J Schwieder III

April 7, 2024

I met Marty and Sari because of the United States Power Squadrons when Marty became District 5 Commander. Over the years, at District conferences or boating rendezvous, I always felt proud of our organization for the dedicated quality of people committed to boating safety like Marty and Siri. Marty exemplified that commitment by contributing his time, talent, and treasure to making the expertise of the Squadrons' expansive educational offerings and practical experiences easily accessible to the public utilizing social media. Although I haven't enjoyed his company in years, I am deeply affected by his passing. His family, friends, associates, and the public have lost a presence for goodness personified. I consider him a potent force for boating education and public safety. He is already missed by hundreds. Fair winds and following seas my friend.

P/C Bill Schwieder, AP

Annette Ferguson

April 7, 2024

His infectious smile.

Fran Fay

April 7, 2024

Sari and family - I am so, so sorry. Fran Fay

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174 Ferry Street, Malden, MA 02148

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Sign Martin Lafferty's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 18, 2024

Mark and Patti Eney posted to the memorial.

April 17, 2024

Ellen Cooper posted to the memorial.

April 11, 2024

Bradley Cook posted to the memorial.