William Robert Martin Jr.

William Robert (Bob) Martin of Lewiston NY went to be with the Lord on Thursday June 29, 2023 at the age of 92. He passed peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones. He lived, loved, laughed and hosted countless gatherings of family and friends at the same address, 991 Elliott Drive, since 1955, where he raised his four children, Robert (Lori) Martin of Beaver Falls PA; Kathleen Martin-Weis (John Weis), of Grasonville, MD; Bruce (Margaret) Martin, of Liverpool, NY; and Carolyn Burns (Jess), of Lawrenceville, GA. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years Shirley Rose (Pieroni) Martin also of Lewiston. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn (Kraft) Martin, who left us too soon in 1985 at just 54 years of age. He is also survived by his sister Christine Fildes of Tremont IL, 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and stepsons Ronald (Amy) Pieroni, Richard (Joan) Pieroni, Robert (Cheryl) Pieroni, and Roger Pieroni.

Steadfastness, loyalty, and integrity characterized Bob’s life. He was born in Niagara Falls, NY and bought his first home in Lewiston in 1955. He was a dedicated and loving father to all his “kids,” and fulfilled the vow ‘till death do us part’ to their mother Carolyn. He went on to fulfill that vow to wife Shirley as well, who would come to call him “My Hero.” He worked with dedication in the Electronics Department at DuPont in Niagara Falls from the age of 19 until his retirement at age 65 as a technologist. He served for two years in the United States Army attaining the rank of Corporal.

Bob was passionate about sports both as a spectator and as a participant. He was the starting quarterback and a varsity basketball player at Niagara Falls High School. He supported the Buffalo Sabres and the Braves, the Niagara Purple Eagles, and was a season ticket holder for the BILLS dating back to their AFL days. He played basketball and bowled for many years in the DuPont leagues and was a regular on the golf course as a member of the Niagara Frontier Country Club in Youngstown NY.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter R.C. Church, 620 Center St, Lewiston NY 14092 on Thursday July 20th at 10am. In lieu of flowers, a tribute donation can be submitted in Bob’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association. Following Mass, military honors will be held at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Lewiston, NY, followed by a luncheon at the Niagara Falls Country Club in Lewiston, and all are welcome. Arrangements entrusted to Hardison Funeral Homes Inc. www.hardisonfuneralhomes.com