George L Martin

George L. Martin, 79 a resident of Elm Street passed away peacefully at the Albany (NY) Medical Center following a brief illness. Born in New Britain , Connecticut on March 24, 1942, He was the last surviving child born to Leroy and Eleanor (Short) Martin. George grew up in Shaftsbury where he received his education , he the enlisted in the US Army , following his Honorable Discharge he lived in the Bennington area . George had been employed at Oak-Mitsui in Hoosick Falls, NY, Price Chopper in Bennington and in the hospitality department at Mt. Snow Ski Resort in West Dover, a job he made many friends at and thoroughly enjoyed. George’s son Chad was the highlight of his life , he was so proud of him and his accomplishments and would boast about him to anyone that would listen. Unfortunately Chad passed away before his time due to health issues , George grieved for him everyday since. George loved cats and the affection they brought into his life , his last cat “Smokey” underwent several procedures to extend his life and he lived well into his twenties. George was a great story teller, a life-long fan of Willie Nelson, he enjoyed listening to country music . In his later years as his body began to fail him he struggled to overcome blindness , this led to some frustration on his part, however he was a kind and gentle man at heart , he especially appreciated the kindness shown to him by his caregivers . He leaves his nephews William Elwell of Shaftsbury , Jamie Elwell of Pownal, Billy Martin of Shushan, NY , niece Vickie Jerome of Bennington and cousins. In addition to his son Chad Martin, he was predeceased by his brother Victor Martin and sister Lois Bahan. The family will hold services at a later date with burial to take place at St. Alphonse Cemetery in Tupper Lake, NY. In honor of his love of cats, memorial gifts may be made to Second Chance Animal Center in care of the Hanson Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home, 213 West Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201. To send personal condolences to the family please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.