Gary Lear Martin Sr.

1937 - 2021

Gary Lear Martin Sr., 83, Clarks Summit, died Monday.

He was born Dec. 24, 1937, and grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, the middle child of the late Ida Lear Martin and Arnold William Martin. He attended the University of Baltimore on a dual basketball and lacrosse scholarship. He earned All American status in lacrosse and was inducted into the university's Athletic Hall of Fame. He met his future wife, Barbara Sullivan Martin, at the University of Baltimore; they were married on May 31, 1958.

Gary started his career as a salesman for Hallmark Cards in upstate New York and eventually he and Barbara settled in Clarks Summit in 1965. There they participated and thrived in the family-based neighborhood culture that existed at that time. With other young families they were instrumental in forming a community in Floral Park where they have maintained lifelong friends. Years later Barbara and Gary ventured into business on their own and opened Martin's Hallmark stores in both Scranton and Honesdale. Together they ran them successfully for many years and finally retired in 2015.

Gary was an avid supporter of all of his three children's endeavors, especially athletics. He traveled far and wide to see them compete. He was especially skilled at supporting these activities without trying to direct them. He continued this practice for years by supporting his grandchildren and mentoring several young athletes in the community. Gary's generous nature attracted many friends and acquaintances. He had a sarcastic wit and possessed a unique ability to notice and show interest in others and was quick to follow through with small acts of kindness. He was a master of assigning nicknames and was a holder of many himself. Most recently, "Lefty" was dear to his friends at Glen Oak Country Club and "Grandpa Lefty" to his affectionate great-grandchildren. He was a proud member of Glen Oak Country Club for many years.

Gary was admired and is survived by his loving family, wife, Barbara; son, Gary Jr. and wife, Debra, of Clarks Summit; son, Andrew and wife, Mary, of Ithaca, New York; and daughter, Allison, and husband, Elmer, of Maine. Grandchildren include: Malari Kane, husband, Greg; Britney DiFlorio, husband, Kevin; Eric Martin, Sarah Darcey-Martin and husband, Matt; Hope Darcey-Martin and Addie Beal. His brother, William Martin; sister, Louise Bowman; nieces, Stephanie Guindon, Julie Martin, Elizabeth Friel; and nephew, Marty Martin, also survive him. Gary was fortunate to know four great-grandchildren: Owen, Finn, Grayden and Reagan.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held at a later date at Glen Oak Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in the form of charitable donations or that which feels best to friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit.