Thomaston- Mr. Hugh "Bob" Martin, 81, died Saturday, September 1, at his home. He was the husband of Sharon (Hedges) Martin. Mr. Martin was born in Waterbury on September 21, 1930, son of the late James and Anna Bell Martin, both of Derry, Ireland. He graduated from Leavenworth High School, where he played linebacker and fullback for three years. In 1948 he was awarded all city back and the most outstanding football back of all four city high schools. He received a Commercial Art Degree from Paier College of Art in Hamden. While at Paier, he designed and painted scenery for Rick T. Jackson at the Southbury Playhouse and he befriended newcomers to the theater such as Alan Alda. Mr. Martin served honorably in the United States Air Force for four years during the Korean War. He was employed at Hamilton Standard, a division of United Technologies, for 26 years. His department designed and made the guidance systems for the Apollo Program that went to the moon. His name is in the Smithsonian Institution and also in deep space. Mr. Martin was a member of the Thomaston Stag Club, performing in minstrels. He loved to sing and charmed many an establishment with his Irish tenor voice. All of his life he was an avid athlete, playing volleyball, tennis and golf. He also played basketball in the United Technologies Over 30 Basketball League until he was 70. He was one of the first skiers at Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall and Mt. Snow in Vermont in the 1950s, he also served president of the WASA Ski Club of Watertown. He and his wife enjoyed their sailboat in Westbrook for 32 years. In addition to his wife of 50 years he is survived by his daughter, Joleen Ross, an art teacher of Tampa, FL; two grandchildren, Lindsey and Joseph and his brother, Daniel Martin of Lebec, CA. He was predeceased by his son, Robert, who was head engineer at Universal Metals in North Haven, his sisters, Margaret, Frances, Ann, Agnes and Patricia and his brother James. Arrangements: A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, September 7, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Thomas Church in Thomaston. Burial with military honors will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday, September 6, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Lyons Funeral Home 46 High St. Thomaston. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Martins name Thomaston High School Athletic Department 185 Branch Rd. Thomaston, CT 06787 or the Waterbury PAL, 255 East Main St. Waterbury, CT 06702.

Service Information Cemetery Hillside Cemetery Center Street Thomaston, CT -->