Martin H. Mard died March 11 at age 89. He was the son of Martin H. and Thora (Norton) Mard. He was raised in Bridgeport, Conn., a graduate of Bassick High School.
Martin graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1949 with an engineering degree. His college experience was interrupted by World War 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 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, becoming a year round resident.
Martin was involved in many Vineyard activities. He could often be found on the Edgartown Golf Club most mornings and was on the board of directors. He was 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 4th of July parades, he rarely missed one. It was a privilege to ride in his car. He was often seen driving around on only cloudless days.
He was a devoted husband to his wife of 67 years, Gloria; a father to Debbie and her husband John Moynihan of West Bridgewater, and his son Chris and his wife Christal of Cape Neddick, Me. 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 15th at the Chapman, Cole Gleason Funeral Home. A reception followed. 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.
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