Thomas Martin Obituary

We met Tom in the early nineteen-seventies. He was especially close to our eldest son, Rod. He presided at Rod and Paula's wedding in 1972. We moved to Michigan and lost track of him. A wonderful human being!

Tom was a true Augustinian with a remarkable gift of friendship which he willingly shared. I treasure his memory and the friendship we enjoyed. Many Augustinians throughout the world mourn his passing but our lives are so much richer for the personal gifts Tom shared with us and his insights into the Faith and the place of Augustine. Tom had the unique ability to make us all feel special and his personal faith enabled many of us to walk with him on his final journey - a difficult but very beautiful privilege . My sympathy and prayers are with Tom's family, his many friends, and his Augustinian family at this sad time.

You will be missed,God Bless.Your 1957 classmate

While our face to face meetings were few, I came to know the Rev. Thomas F. Martin via his sister Denise and his beloved Mother who glowed at the mere mention of his name. My heart goes out to the family of this remarkable young man whose life touched so many.

Dear Chuck,Joyce,Denise,Diane &Bill
I,m so sorry for your loss. The last time Tom,my cousin, visited us in Tucson many years ago, he had to endure--but survived--my daughters 5th b-day party.All her little friends were amazed that he was a priest because "he doesn't look or dress like one"He had a beard and wore an argyle wool vest.
Mom (Aunt Ann) always talks about her trip to visit Tom ,in Rome, with your mom & dad. All the places Tom took them and especially how fast he drove on what she called the freeways.She will miss him and the notes he wrote her.

We are sorry for the loss of your brother. We have a great memory of the year, my cousin, Tom came to visit us in Minnesota with his mom, dad and sister. They stayed with us for several days. We watched a movie and when they spoke Italian Tom shared his interpretation. Our children are adults now and they still remember that visit.

Dear Diane and Denise:

I was deeply saddened upon reading of your brothers passing. Although I have not seen him for over 30 years since graduating from Mendel in 1976, I have fond and vidid memories of him still. He is truly one of those teachers that touched students lives and had a profoundly positive influence on them. We liked him as a friend, respected him as a teacher, and were humbled by his humanity. He didn't only take his vows, he lived them. Even knuckle heads like us could sense that it wasn't just "a job" to him. It was his calling.
He will be missed.

During your journey on your final flight home.
White wings will carry you and you will be flown.
To the pearly gates of Heaven, where they will usher you in.
To the feet of your Lord, your Savior, and your friend.
He will hold you in his arms and the angels will sing.
As another one of His children is delivered by white wings.

Joyce and family - My deepest sympathy to all of you. Tom will be remembered as a very dear friend and classmate.

May you find comfort in memories of the love he shared with you,knowing that the love lives on in you.

Dear Diane and Denise,
I was so saddened to hear of your brother's death. He was a remarkable man. You have my deepest sympathies, Love Barb

Our prayers are with the family. We will be thinking fondly of him.
Don & Donna Klein

Thank you Father Martin for your wonderful presence at St. Mary's. Your gentle spirit, your spiritual teaching, and your warm humor will be greatly missed. Remember all of us to the good Lord!

What a great professor, and a great priest! He'll be missed. RIP.

When the Phillies won the Series, my son couldn't wait to see Fr. Tom and rub it in! The 2 of them had discussed Philly's and Chicago's sports teams every week (and "Nova basketball)...Father had a gift with young people, and a very young spirit.

We'll miss Father Tom's thoughtful homilies, sparkling personality, and quiet faith. The best part of my week was hearing his Mass @ St Mary's.

Father Martin's sermon on "hope", less than 2 weeks before his death, was the most eloquent, sincere testimonial of his faith in God. I pray that God holds Fr Martin in the palm of His hand, per my favorite Irish blessing.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

God bless you Father Martin. You will be missed at St. Mary's Church.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We will miss Tom.