ELLENBURG DEPOT, NY---Jerry A. Martin, 73, of Drown Road, died Friday, July 15, 2011 at his residence.
He was born in Chateaugay, NY on October 1, 1937, the son of Robert R. and Mildred (Mitchell) Martin.
Jerry married the former Leona LaValley on November 8, 1958 by Rev. Gilbert Menard in St. Ann's Church in Mooers Forks.
He retired from the New York State Department of Corrections after 34 years and 10 months of service. During his employment with the Corrections, Jerry also worked on the family farm. He continued to work after his retirement at Delagar in Rouses Point, NY. Jerry also worked for about a year for Noble Wind Energy as security.
Jerry was very involved with the Knights of Columbus. He served many posts as a 3rd Degree Knight in Ellenburg, including Past Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight, Recorder, Trustee, Warden and District Warden of the Northern District. As a 4th Degree Knight in the Mooers Council, Jerry served as a past Faithful Navigator and was most recently a member of the Chateaugay Council.
He served our country in the Army Reserves from 1957 to 1963.
Jerry enjoyed life and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved to go hunting, and most of all to bring his grandchildren fishing, which he liked to call "Bait and duck!" He will always be remembered for his sense of humor and being the "jokester" of the family. Jerry was an avid wood worker. He took great pride in making walking sticks and canes and distributing them to fellow patients at the Fitzpatrick Cancer Center. When asked "how much" his answer was always "How about a hug."
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Leona of Ellenburg Depot; one son, Kevin and Wendy Martin of Ellenburg Depot; one daughter, Christine and Brynn Boyer of Plattsburgh; seven siblings, Robert and Rosemary Martin of Plattsburgh, Harriet Taylor of West Chazy, Janice and Leon Trombley of Plattsburgh, Wayne and Marge Martin of Bangor, Bruce and Connie Martin of Chateaugay, David and Annette Martin of Chateaugay, and Steven and Nancy Martin of Ellenburg Depot; one brother-in-law, John Demarse of Plattsburgh; one sister-in-law, Marie LaValley; eight grandchildren, Michelle Trombley and her fiancée Matthew Lawrence, Haley Trombley, Cody Trombley, Ashley Martin, Alexis Martin, Brandon Boyer, Cara Boyer, and Rachel Boyer; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, an infant brother, Richard Martin, two sisters, Grace Demarse and Gladys Fortin; four brothers-in-law, Leo Fortin, Jerome Taylor, Leo W. LaValley and Herman LaValley; and his mother and father-in-law, George and Evelyn LaValley.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, July 17, 2011 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Rabideau Funeral Home, 5614 Route 11, Ellenburg.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 2 p.m. in St. Edmund's Church in Ellenburg.
Burial will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery in Mooers Forks.
Donations in his memory may be made to Hospice Care of the North Country or the Fitzpatrick Cancer Center.