Ronald Martin

Ronald Martin, 77, passed peacefully on Saturday, January 20, in the arms of his wife, and surrounded by his family, to be home with the Lord Jesus.

He was born in Upper Darby, PA and was the son of Thomas and Mary Martin and youngest of 3 brothers.

Ron was a Radioman and Electrician for the U.S. Navy. After serving his country, he went on to work as a proud Union member (Local 1112) at General Motors as a Coordinator of the Materials Department until his retirement. Ron enjoyed sharing in his sons' upbringing by leading them as a Scoutmaster for 15 years with the Boy Scouts of America Troop 121 in Austintown. He also was a member of the Argus Masonic Lodge #545 F&AM in Canfield and a 32nd degree Mason of the Valley of Youngstown Scottish rite and part of their Fellowcraft team. 

Ron married his loving wife Shirley on July 11, 1998 at Trinity Fellowship Church. They built their life together, and were blessed to travel the country in retirement- connecting with family members and enjoying playing bingo, various casino adventures, and the beautiful natural wonders of the American Southwest. They also fostered their love of camping at Holiday Campgrounds, where they built a group of friends that they would spend time with there, as well as winter camping adventures down south.

As a member of the Heritage Presbyterian Church, he served as a deacon and elder, regularly visiting shut-ins, and helping in the church's kitchen on any occasion. Ron was described by congregants as a very generous person who would quietly "pay it forward" to help others at all the church events. Ron enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests. He was a bowler, and was blessed to have bowled two 300 games. He also enjoyed golfing, having made a hole-in-one on Aug. 17, 2005 at Mill Creek Park on Hole #5 on the South Course. For a time, Ron also volunteered for Angel Carriers, providing transportation services for homebound seniors.

Ron is survived by his wife, the former Shirley Bierdeman, his three sons- Ronald Jr., Sean (Tracey), Micheal, and their mother, his first wife, April Martin. Ron is also survived by the children Shirley brought to their marriage- Lyne (Denny) Grant, Clint (Sherri) Bierdeman, and Collette (Russ) Miller. He is also profoundly missed by his 11 grandchildren- Nicole (Carlo) Kitakis, Neal, Nicholas, and Elena Martin, Mackenzie and Mark Martin, Tya (Derek) Coldiron, Teque and Trinity Grant, Clayton and Isaac Miller; as well as 5 great grandchildren.

Welcoming him at the Gates of Heaven are his parents and his two brothers, Thomas and Dennis. He also will be reunited with his dog, a Havapoo named Coal, and Johnathon Sapp, who he met and mentored through Church.

All of Ron's surviving family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Morrison, Dr. Ravi, all of his specialist Doctors, the entire Veterans Pact Team #7, Veterans Commission Office, Patriot Home Health Care, Specialized Senior Care, and each of the individual compassionate caretakers who were an essential part of managing his long-term health care.

Friends will be received on Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the Heritage Presbyterian Church. A Masonic service will be observed at 10:45 a.m., followed immediately by a Memorial Celebration of Life beginning at 11:00 a.m. Military honors will be rendered for his service to our country. He will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. 

In lieu of flowers, material contributions can be made to fund a one-time Eagle Scout scholarship in Ron's memory. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences.