Martin H. Mard of Edgartown died on March 11, 2014. He was 89.
Martin lived most of his life in Windsor, Conn., raising his family while working in the family business, Superior Spring and Mfg. Co. Inc. He retired at the age of 70 and became a year-round resident of Martha’s Vineyard.
Martin was involved in many Vineyard activities. He could often be found at the Edgartown Golf Club most mornings and served on the club board of directors. He was also a past president of the East Chop Beach Club. He enjoyed and was a member of the Model Airplane Flying Club of Martha’s Vineyard. He had great times going to lunch as a member of the 1st and 3rd. He became a winter member of the Edgartown Yacht Club, attending many parties there with Mard’s meatballs as his appetizer.
His 1929 Model A with a Murray Body was in many Fourth of July parades. He rarely missed one. It was a privilege to ride in his car, which he was often seen driving around, but on only cloudless days.
Martin was the son of Martin H and Thora (Norton) Mard. He was raised in Bridgeport, Conn., and was a graduate of Bassick High School.
Martin graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1949 with an engineering degree. His college experience was interrupted by WW II. He joined the Navy learning to fly PBY 4’s. He loved flying. He reached the rank of Lieutenant JG.He was a founding member of the RPI chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity.
He became a Mason in 1950 following in his father’s footsteps (1917). Martin was a 32nd degree Mason.
He was a devoted husband to Gloria, his wife of 67 years, and father to Debbie and her husband, John Moynihan, of West Bridgewater and son Chris and his wife, Christal, of Cape Neddick, Maine. He was a grandfather to Colleen and Megan Moynihan, whom he adored. They spent many summers living with him while working on the Island. Debbie and John spent as much time as they could on the Island along with their Westies. His daughter Candee predeceased him. A brother, Kenneth, and his sons, Kenneth and Ronald, also predeceased him. He leaves behind nieces and nephews.
A visitation was held on March 15 at the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home with a reception following. A memorial service is planned for July 12 on Martha’s Vineyard. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
