Martin Joseph Tarkany

Martin Joseph Tarkany, "Marty," age 88 of Dayton, passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at Walnut Creek Nursing Center. He was born April 3, 1937 in Dayton, Ohio, the son of the late Alex and Mary Tarkany.

Marty was an avid football fan. He especially enjoyed watching The Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame. He also loved following all of his grandchildren in their sporting activities. In his earlier years, he was the equipment manager for the Northmont PeeWee football teams. Marty was employed with Dayton Press for 27 years. He then went on to work as an RTA bus driver with the City of Dayton for 15 years before his retirement.

Marty is survived by his wife of 38 years, Linda; children, Chuck Tarkany, Michael (Melissa) Tarkany, Jeffrey (Reiko) Smith, Ronda Fortener, Steven (Windhi) Smith; grandchildren, A.J. (Beth) Tarkany, Christian (Maria) Tarkany, Michael B. (Janine) Tarkany, Matthew Tarkany, Mitchell (Brianna) Tarkany, Mary Tarkany, Maddie Tarkany, Joshua (Erin) Smith, Matthew Smith, Brooke (Shaun) Davenport, Brett (Amanda) Fortener, Bridget Fortener, Bryan (Lacie) Fortener, Brittany (Ryan) Steele, Corrin (Austin) Rush, Caleb Smith, Cameron Smith, and Jordan Smith; as well as numerous great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Helen (Stu) Higgs; brother, Alex (Anna) Tarkany; nephew, Joseph Martin Tarkany; son-in-law, Steven Fortener; brother-in-law, Terry Webb; as well as his beloved dogs, Tex, Smokey, Tasha, Hogan, and Mia.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at the Suites of Walnut Creek for all the care and support they provided for Martin. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025 from 10 am to 11 am at Newcomer Centerville Chapel (820 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45459). Funeral service will begin at 11 am. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio.

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