Thomas M. Martin

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Thomas Michael Martin, age 74, of Watertown-a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather and great-grandfather. Tom's life was a testament to strength, loyalty, and tireless dedication to his family.
For 56 wonderful years, Tom was united in marriage with his beloved wife, Mary, whom he adored above all else. They met at a dance in 1968 in Watertown and were married in Falmouth in September 1969. Falmouth continued to be a special place for them as they spent many memorable years vacationing there and creating treasured memories with family at "the cottage". While he was an old-school, no-nonsense, blue-collar guy, he and Mary truly were a partnership from the start, with both of them sharing responsibilities for cleaning, cooking and raising the kids. Through all of the ups and downs of life they always faced everything together, and they continued to dance with each other every chance they got for the rest of their lives together. Their enduring love and partnership was an inspiring example of devotion and commitment that has left a lasting legacy for family and friends.
Tom was the proud father of two children: Michelle Fallon of Watertown (wife of Stephen Fallon) and Thomas Martin Jr. of Arlington (husband of Sherry Graham). He took immense joy in his six grandchildren who called him "Pops" - Kyle Rudman, Tim Rudman (husband of Allie Rudman), Emma Fallon, Luke Fallon, Lia Martin, and Ryan Martin-and was delighted to welcome his first great-grandchild, Cora, this year. His family was his greatest pride, and sharing in their lives and accomplishments brought him deep happiness.
Tom's close-knit extended family included his four siblings-Allen Martin of Foxborough, Elaine Comis of Abington, Cindy Sturtevant of Dracut, and Terri Hamm of Salem NH and their spouses and children - along with fourteen aunts and uncles, and more than sixty first cousins. He also shared a special bond with Mary's six siblings, their spouses, and children. Tom cherished time spent with his loved ones, whether cheering on his favorite Boston sports teams together or celebrating holidays and family milestones.
At these gatherings, Tom was often found manning the grill to make his famous hamburgers and tutoring younger generations on the finer arts of grilling. If there was no grill to be manned, he could be found playing cards, especially cribbage and poker, recounting stories of legendary Boston sports figures or singing along to his favorite Irish songs and songs from his childhood. He never missed a Patriots game with Mary by his side. His laughter, competitive spirit, and storytelling around the card table will be deeply missed.
In addition to family, Tom also had many friends who were very important to him. In Watertown, Tom took special joy in the community and friends he and Mary found at Greg's restaurant. He also had many friends from their time on the Cape and his working days at Poland Springs and Belmont Springs. He truly loved spending time with all of these friends, and loved engaging in a good-natured back and forth while sipping on a glass of Irish whiskey or a Bud.
He was a graduate of Watertown High School Class of 70 and was proud to have spent more than 70 of his 74 years as a resident of Watertown. Tom was well read, and particularly loved reading historical biographies. He also was great with numbers and had a mind for financial management. His budgeting of the family finances made a huge impact on the family. Over the years many in Mary and Tom's extended family would go to him for advice on taxes and money management.
Tom leaves behind a legacy of love, of strong principles and character, and an unwavering dedication to those he held dear. Tom's memory will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew him.
There will be visiting hours held 4-7 pm at DeVito Funeral Home 761 Mount Auburn St., Watertown on Friday November 14th. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Oakley Country Club, 410 Belmont St. Watertown, with a eulogy and shared remembrances beginning at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to one of the following charities that Tom and Mary have supported: Dana Farber Cancer Institute , The American Indian College Fund, Doctors Without Borders and The Environmental Defense Fund. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas, please visit our floral store.