Russell W. Martin 1929-2024

Russell, affectionately known by his family as “Papa the Great,” was born July 11, 1929, in Connellsville, Pa., a son of the late Loren and Nellie Nicholson Martin.

Russell was a graduate of Connellsville High School, Class of 1947. After graduation, he worked in the construction field in Connellsville until taking a position with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad as an engineer from 1955 to 1957. In 1957, he relocated to Ohio and worked for American General Life as an insurance agent for several years before working for the Erie Lackawanna Railroad, now called Conrail. He worked as an engineer for the company until his retirement in 1993. He was a member and local chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Retired Engineers Breakfast Club.

A proud and longtime resident of Brownlee Woods, Russell was committed to helping with the beautification of the neighborhood. He was a member of the Brownlee Woods Neighborhood Association, where he helped install the Brownlee Woods Signs, plant the islands going up Sheridan Road, and assist with making Lynn Park handicap accessible. He was also a member of the 7th-Ward Citizens Coalition and Better Block.

Russell and his wife were members of the former Faith Community Church and they annually helped organize the fall car show in conjunction with the church. His other interests included woodworking, gardening and yard work.

Russell is survived by his wife, the former Nancy Miller, whom he married July 10, 1982; children, Russell L. (Catherine) Martin of Plant City, Florida, Cynthia (Robert) Heck of Poland, Rachel (Gary) Coates of Leland, North Carolina, and Joy (Bradley) Noble of Poland; stepchildren, Dawn, Tom, Matthew and Frank; eight grandchildren, Sean Patrick (fiancee Rochelle Boykin) Heck of Hamilton, Tara Plevniak-Fusco of Westlake, Lauren (Shea) Stewart of Valley Forge, Pa., Erin (Matthew) Shambaugh of Liberty Township, Eli Martin of Plant City, Florida, Joshua (fiancee Gina Trimacco) Noble of Poland, Benjamin (Gianna) Noble of Edinburg, Pa., and Kathryne (James Webster) Noble of Hubbard; 10 great-grandchildren, Victoria, Christian, Olivia, Emmaline, Nolan, Tanner, Cecilia, Reese, Brody and Barrett; eight step-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his former wife and mother of his children, JoAnn Watkins Martin; and siblings, Genevieve Shipley, James “Jack” Martin and Robert Martin.

A funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland. Interment will follow in Poland Riverside Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received 4 to 6 p.m. Friday and 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial tributes may take the form of contributions in Mr. Martin’s name to Hospice of the Valley.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share condolences with the family.

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