Online Obituaries

Our Heavenly Father welcomed Joseph Souza Martin, Jr. home on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Joe was raised in Fairhaven, MA, graduating from Holy Family High School in New Bedford, MA, in 1958. After a brief period of studying for priesthood in New York, Joe entered the Air Force where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. On his 21st birthday at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee, he met his wife of more than 60 years, Margaret-Anne “Peg” Martin of Springfield, MA “the greatest birthday present God ever gave me.” They married on June 13, 1964 and rarely, if ever, spent a day apart. In addition to his time in the service, Joe worked tirelessly with Hamilton Standard in Windsor, CT, as one of many members in The Race to Space. He then embarked on his career with the United Parcel Service in 1973. These were his means of employment, but he truly thrived as a Sunday School teacher at then, First Central Baptist Church on Broadway St. in Chicopee. His classes were well known for their in-depth analysis of the Gospel and Epistles.  Joe was a member for over 50 years, serving in numerous capacities, including Deacon, Elder, a certified Christian counselor, as well as a long-time member of the church’s choir. Joe was as affable as he was dependable. He was a man who made first impressions count and quickly made friends for life. That dependability bloomed from roots of faith firmly planted in Jesus Christ, the driving influence of his life. Joe was a pillar of the church where he dove head-first into the Word and helped lead others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. His first love was God, second was his family, especially his cherished grandchildren. Then came the Boston Red Sox. He carried his love for baseball through life by rooting for people to do their best and to display good sportsmanship, especially in the face of adversity. Joe had an unwavering desire to help people on their path to redemption. Many of his friends and family have commented on how supportive he was, through their darkest times.

Joe was born on September 5, 1941, to Joseph and Ellen Martin, and raised in Fairhaven, MA. After briefly residing in Springfield, Joe and Peg moved to East Longmeadow before relocating to Chicopee Falls in 1976, where they lived for almost 50 years. He is survived by his adoring wife, Peg. Their two children, Anne Martin, of North Adams, MA, and Eric Martin, and his wife, Karen, of Springfield, MA. Joe is survived by his 7 grandchildren: Kyle Kramek, of CT; Christopher Kramek, of MA; Corey Kramek, of FL; Anthony Martin, of SC; Jeffrey Martin, of MA; Katelyn (Kramek) Koch, of FL and Stephania Martin, of NC. Joe is also survived by 4 great-grandchildren: Devon Kramek, Addison Kramek, McKenzie Kramek, and Violette Martin. He is also survived by his remaining brothers, Gerald Martin, and his wife Marian, of FL; David Martin, and his wife Evelyn,  of NC; and Michael Martin, and his wife Sandy, of FL, along with his former son-in-law Steve Kramek of FL, and 2 sisters-in-law: Betty Martin of DE, and Lorraine Martin of FL, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He is pre-deceased by his older brother, Gregory, of DE, and his twin brother George, of FL.

His ever-present humor, his unlimited love of his family, and the warmth and support he had for all of us, individually and collectively, will be forever cherished. He will be very sadly missed, including by his friends and staff at River Mills Assisted Living at Chicopee Falls where he spent his final year. Joe would provide joy and comfort by singing hymns to everyone who listened. His steadfast love of his, and our, Lord will enable his memory to carry on within his family, both immediate and extended. It can truly be said of him, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” He will be in our hearts and minds all our remaining days, and we rest in the knowledge and faith we will see him again, in Glory. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty; I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”-Psalm 91:1-2.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, July 1, at 11:00 A.M., at First Central Bible Church, 50 Broadway St., in Chicopee, MA.

The Martin family wishes to extend its deep appreciation and gratitude to the entire staff at River Mills for their love, care, and ceaseless support during Joe’s stay.