Martin P. Dyer 1959-2026

Marty was born May 15, 1959, in Youngstown, the 10th of 12 children born to John F. and Catherine Shelar Dyer. He was an active and athletic boy, eventually playing varsity basketball at Austintown Fitch High School, where he was a member of the graduating class of 1977.

While still a teenager, Marty was stricken with a progressive, degenerative spinal condition, ankylosing spondylitis, focused initially in his cervical spine. That diagnosis, and its treatment, ultimately shaped the rest of Marty’s life. The disease was excruciatingly painful, resulting in increasing dependence on pain medication, including oxycodone and other opiates. As the disease progressed, the dependence morphed into addiction and eventually became debilitating.

While this process was underway, Marty worked at various companies in the Youngstown area, including General Fireproofing, Greyhound Bus Lines, Rapid Express and L. F. Wolf Contracting, among others, until he became disabled. He was also a volunteer youth basketball coach while his health allowed.

He was an avid fan of Michigan Wolverines football, a choice that may have been made primarily to irritate his siblings one weekend per year.

Marty is survived by his sisters, Helen Planey of New Middletown, Suzanne Jackson of Wellston, and Janice (Curt) Heaberlin and Kathy (Mike) Cook, both of Austintown; brothers, John (Louise) Dyer of Liberty Township, the Rev. Thomas Dyer of Louisville, James Dyer of Youngstown, Jeffrey (Janet) Dyer of New Middletown and Tim (Judy Murran) Dyer of Columbus.

Marty also was held in great fondness by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, to whom he will always be Uncle Marty. He made a point to spend time with them and was a significant character in their lives. He also leaves many cousins who will miss his company.

In addition to his parents, Marty was preceded in death by his brothers, Mike and Ed Dyer; and brothers-in-law, Mike Planey and John Jackson.

Marty maintained a broad circle of friends, including many from his high school days, who were loyal and supportive. He was blessed with a quick wit and with the Irish knack for storytelling, never failing to leave behind a smile or a hearty laugh.

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the physicians and nursing staff of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital for the wonderful care Marty received in his final days.

Family and friends may call 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown, with a funeral service at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Catholic Charities Diocese of Youngstown, www.ccdoy.org/give/, in Marty’s name.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to send condolences to Marty’s family.

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