Robert "Bert" Martin
(February 24, 1938 - January 17, 2013) GEORGIA – Robert J. “Grampy Bert” Martin, age 74, husband of the late Beverly (Tatro) Martin, passed away Thursday morning January 17, 2013 at the home of his brother in Georgia with his loving family at his side.
He was born February 24, 1938 in Burlington the son of the late Francis & Helen (Sullivan) Martin.
Bert was a graduate of Cathedral High School, class of 1956 and was inducted into the Rice / Cathedral Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007. He entered the U.S. Army in 1956 receiving his honorable discharge in 1959 at which time he became employed at the Burlington Police Department for 2 years. He then worked for what eventually became Verizon for 35 years retiring in 1996.
Bert enjoyed the outdoors and hunting. He had the opportunity to experience his first youth hunting season this year with his grandson Jacob. Bert loved the roll of grandfather and cherished the time spent with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughter and her husband Jill & Christopher Messineo of Georgia; his son, Timothy Martin of Burlington; his grandchildren, Jacob, Alexander, Elizabeth, Owen & Isabella Messineo all of Georgia; his siblings, Francis “Pepper” Martin Jr. of Barton, Mary “Tess” Usher of Yucca Valley, CA., Charles “Chuck” Martin and his friend Gail Jette of Ripton, John “Jake” Martin and his wife Sue of Bakersfield, Patricia Laskowski of Milton, James Martin and his friend, Lucy Vennes of Georgia, and Colleen Steen of Fairfax; his in-laws, Larry Tatro and his wife Kari of Franklin, Terry Tatro and his wife Kathy of Richford, Pauline Germain and her husband Steve of Fletcher, Sally Tatro & Pete Combs of Richford, and Geraldine Jewett of Richford; numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Bert was predeceased by his wife Beverly on January 1, 1997. Bert & Bev were married on September 4, 1965. He was also predeceased by his in-laws, Gordon “Bud” & Lottie (LaPlant) Tatro; and his brother-in-law, Gordon Tatro Jr.
Grampy Poem by Elizabeth Messineo
Dear Grampy Bert you’re loving, caring, helpful, funny, You’re the best chocolate milk maker in the world. You make Christmas so special. I love you as much as the world. When you’re sick my heart is as sad as a little girl that can’t dance. You’re as lovely as the twinkling stars above. I love you dear Grampy Bert all the way to the stars above.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Ascension Catholic Church, 3157 Ethan Allen Highway, Georgia with Rev. Maurice Roy celebrating the Mass of Christian burial. There will be no visiting hours. Interment took place in a private committal service at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Enosburg Falls.
For those who wish, contributions in Bert’s memory may be made to Rice Memorial High School, Bert Martin Scholarship Fund, 99 Proctor Ave., South Burlington, VT 05403.
