Charles Thomas Martin

Charles “Charlie” Thomas Martin, was called home to be with the Lord on January 21, 2026 after 86 years of life. Born in Cleveland, Ohio on February 9, 1939, to Paul and Ruth, Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Rosemary, of nearly 61 years. A love like no other, together they forged a life of happiness; raised a family rooted in love, loyalty and tradition; stood strong together to keep the faith through challenges and heartbreak; and looked for the good in all situations. Charlie was not a man of many words, and he didn’t need to be. His actions, models, and nonverbal interactions spoke volumes, cultivating love, values and wisdom that brings strength, courage and resilience to his family today and forever more. 

A believer. A member of St. Mary Parish in Berea, Charlie’s faith in God was demonstrated through his quiet, kind and gentle ways; and his fierce love for his wife, his family and his faith. Charlie lived a life of gratitude, giving of himself to others. A protector, a guardian. 

A United States Navy veteran, Charlie was trained as a pattern maker, and selected as the honorman, performing at the top of his class. Using the skills he acquired from the Navy, he chose a career as a metal and wood pattern maker, an esteemed employee of Foseco for 38 years, retiring in 2001. 

An endurance athlete, cyclist, adventurer. Following retirement, Charlie did not slow down, living his retirement years to the fullest. He remained a seeker of physical challenges. A few of his proudest physical accomplishments included hiking the Appalachian Trail, completing an ironman triathlon, running the JFK50 for five consecutive years, cycling from Ohio to Washington on the Lewis & Clark Trail, being a two time finisher of the Paris Brest Paris ultra-endurance cycling event in France as well as the Boston Montreal Boston randonnee. 

A creator, luthier, carpenter. Charlie honed his talent for transforming a piece of wood into beautiful works of art. In his early years, he created furniture including a one of a kind ‘stairway to heaven’; and later followed a passion for transforming wood into beautiful stringed instruments, finding his niche with guitars and mandolins. He designed and created his very own tools to create these works of art with beauty and precision. His spirit will live on through the creation of music on his instruments. 

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents Paul Martin and Ruth (nee Schmidt); daughter Stacy M. Martin; and siblings Paul “Buzzy” Martin, Mary Therese “Sis” Schindler, Patrick “Pat” Martin, Micheal “Mike” Martin, Richard James “Dicky” Martin. Charlie is survived by his wife Rosemary Therese (nee Franz); son Stanley Martin, daughter Tammy (Matthew) Wisz,  daughter Theresa (Guy) Martin-Krueger, and his dog George Martin; grandchildren, Jessica (John) Singer, Nicole (Michael) McCafferty, Alex Martin, Raquel Martin, Matthew Wisz II, Cassidy (Jared) Fracker, Joseph Gillette, Mariah Martin, Anthony Martin; and great grandchildren, John Singer V, Hannah Singer, Christopher Singer, Savannah Singer, Quinn McCafferty, and Charleigh Singer. Uncle, friend and mentor to many. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 5:00-8:00 PM at Baker Kensinger Funeral Home. 

Father John Singler  will conduct a mass of Christian Burial on Thursday,  January 29, 2026 at 11:30 A.M. at St. Mary Parish, Berea.

Please gather with the family following mass to share a meal. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Western Reserve. For the adventurers at heart, should you find yourself hiking the final section of the Appalachian Trail, The 100 Mile Wilderness of Maine, Charlie will be by your side with a staff in hand.

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