Eugene R. Martin

Martin, Eugene R.
CLIFTON PARK - Eugene R. Martin, 95, passed peacefully on April 24, 2024. Born in Buffalo, N.Y., to his late parents, Bernard and Mildred Martin.
Gene graduated with a teaching degree from Buffalo State Teachers College, and a graduate degree from the University of Buffalo. He taught Earth Science in the Attica, N.Y., and the Kenmore-Tonawanda, N.Y., public schools for a combined 43 years, prior to retiring in the early 1990s. Both he and his wife shared careers as educators together, with a great interest in science, nature, and ecology.
Gene served in the 101st Airborne Infantry Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga., during the Korean Conflict. He took particular pride in being a veteran. While in service, Gene married his wife, Kathleen, at Fort Breckinridge, Ky. His three children were another source of pride.
Gene was curious, pleasant, easygoing, and engaging, despite the profound deafness that developed in his later years. He loved, nurtured, and treasured his family, his children, grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Gene served in several capacities with the Boy Scouts of America, helping his son's troop, facilitating his sons' advancement through the ranks, and as a merit badge counselor to Kenmore Junior High School students.
Gene and Kathleen were fortunate to retire early and in good health. During this time, he worked in the food pantry at their church, and she taught Sunday School and mentored elementary school children with special needs. For decades, they visited parks in the extensive U.S. National Park System, each of which he considered a national treasure. They also maintained and enjoyed summer and winter homes in Cassadaga, N.Y., and Bradenton, Fla., respectively, where they happily entertained visitors and made lasting friends.
Both Gene and Kathleen were cancer survivors and lived long, rich, robust lives post-diagnosis.
He was predeceased by his loving wife, Kathleen; daughter, Amy K. Disbury; and sister, Alice Crane Lyons. He is survived by his sons, Keith D. Martin, of Clifton Park, and Brian (Julie Bartle Martin) D. Martin, of Stone Ridge, N.Y.; grandchildren, Sarah and Taylor Disbury, Paris and Liam Martin; and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., on Wednesday, May 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. A brief service will conclude the night. Burial will occur at a later date in Buffalo, N.Y., at the family's convenience.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Center for Biological Diversity, Tucson, Ariz. (Tax ID: 27-3943866); National Park Foundation, Washington, D.C. (Tax ID: 52-1086761), or to the charity of the donor's choice.
FULL OBITUARY AND CONDOLENCES AT GLENVILLEFUNERALHOME.COM