Bruce Owen Martin

Bruce Owen Martin October 10, 1947 - August 7, 2014 Bruce Owen Martin passed away after a long illness in Saint Augustine, Florida on August 7, 2014. Born October 10, 1947, he was the son of the late Owen and Emily (Smith) Martin and a longtime resident of the Schaghticoke area. Bruce graduated from Hoosic Valley Central Schools and received a BS in elementary education from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1969. He spent 34 years teaching at Hoosic Valley, fifth grade and later kindergarten. He retired in 2003 due to illness. As his illness progressed he moved to Florida to live with his sister Nancy until he needed further medical care. Never one to be idle, Bruce spent his summers as Director of the Youth Commission, working maintenance at the Schaghticoke Fair, and doing construction with his fellow teachers. Like his parents, Bruce served his community in a variety of roles. He was a longtime member of the Hoosic Valley Fire Department, serving many years as its Secretary. After moving out of the district he served as a fire police for the Melrose Fire Department. He was also a youth soccer coach and soccer coordinator for the Hoosic Valley Athletic Association. Bruce loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed camping with family and friends. He was an avid history buff, especially related to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. He was a member of the 13th Albany County Militia and participated in Revolutionary War reenactments up and down the east coast. He was a fan of the Baltimore Orioles, Indianapolis Colts, and Florida State Seminoles. Bruce is survived by and will be greatly missed by his sisters Nancy (Tyler) Schroeder of St. Augustine, Florida, Janet (Robert) Glenn of Galway, and Susan Cipolla of Schaghticoke; his sons, Andrew of Glens Falls and Jonathan of New Jersey. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, two great nieces, cousins and countless friends. Bruce's family would like to thank the staff of Bayview Healthcare's facilities in St. Augustine for the wonderful and compassionate care they provided. Relatives and friends may visit from 9 to 11 am on August 30, 2014 at the Valley Falls Methodist Church, State Street, Valley Falls. A celebration of Bruce's life will begin at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bruce's memory to the Hoosic Valley Fire Department, 69 Stillwater Bridge Road, Schaghticoke NY 12154 would be appreciated. Bruce was the recipient of a liver transplant in June 2003. The greatest honor that could be paid to Bruce would be to become an organ donor. Those interested in making this pledge may visit www.donatelifeny.org St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.