Obituary of Richard J Martin

CARTHAGE -- Richard J. Martin, 79, beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend, died March 7, 2017 following a months' long battle with kidney disease. He was born September 1, 1937 to Richard S. and Mary R. (Turpin) Martin in Carthage, New York. He graduated from Augustinian Academy in 1954 before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force that same year. He served 10 years in administrative assignments at various locations world-wide. Following his enlistment he went to work for the State of California Franchise Tax Board and later worked for the IRS. After his retirement, he lived briefly in the Atlanta area before returning to Carthage where he made his home with his lifelong companion and partner Rita Cain. During the winter months, they enjoyed spending time in their ocean side condominium in Myrtle Beach, SC where they renewed their friendship with the many acquaintances they made while vacationing there. Rita passed away in 2015 and Richard continued to visit the condominium during the winter months. It was there during Christmas 2016 that Richard was taken ill and diagnosed with kidney failure. He was released in the care of his sisters, Carol and Mary, who live in nearby Canton, GA. His conditioned worsened in the succeeding weeks and was placed in hospice care prior to his death. The love and compassion of his sisters who tended to his daily needs during this difficult transition is beyond measure. They are special to all of us and made his final days a time of peace and comfort. Richard and Rita enjoyed traveling and visiting friends and family around the country. He was very fond of his children, grandchildren, and growing family of nieces and nephews whom he all remembered at special occasions throughout the year. They all recall him fondly as their Uncle Turkey, a name he inherited from his nieces Robyn and Brooke whom he playfully teased as youngsters. While in Carthage Richard regularly volunteered at the Carthage Area Hospital and enjoyed reading and visiting family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Mary, a brother Edward, and his lifelong partner Rita. He is survived by sisters Carol Gentle, Mary Martin (Jim Kenton), brother James (Taunya), daughter Kathy and granddaughter Emily Gorrell of Sacramento, CA and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral mass will be held at St. James Catholic Church in Carthage, at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2017. Calling hours will be held at the Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., 500 State St. on Tuesday evening March 21, 2017 from 6 – 8 p.m. Burial will be in the New St. James Cemetery, Carthage. In lieu of flowers, you are requested to donate to the National Kidney Foundation in his memory.