Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

December 13, 2024

INDIAN TRAIL – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Francis Martin, 77, of Indian Trail, NC, on Friday, December 13, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Michael was born in Albany, NY, to John and Elizabeth (Betty Cassidy) Martin. After graduating from Vincentian Institute in Albany and St. Bernard College, Cullman, AL, Michael proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1972.  Having completed his service in Korea during the Vietnam War, Michael was honorably discharged with the rank of SP5.  Later, his professional career spanned over 30 years in sales with 3M Company.

An avid golfer since childhood, Michael was a member of Normanside Country Club (Delmar, NY); McGregor Links Country Club (Saratoga Springs, NY); and, for the past 32 years, at Raintree Country Club (Charlotte, NC), where he not only enjoyed the game itself but also the many friendships he has made over the years.

Michael and his wife, Eileen, loved to travel, especially to the Caribbean Islands, which turned into a yearly ritual with their dear friends, the Kennedys. One of Michael’s most cherished memories was a golf trip to Ireland, in honor of his 70th birthday, with his two sons and friend, Jim Kennedy.

Michael is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Eileen Martin; their sons, Kevin Martin and Gregory Martin, and his wife, China; step-granddaughter, Lucy Dearing; and the newest love of his life, his sweet granddaughter, Sophie Martin, who will always love and forever remember her special “Papa”.  Also surviving Michael are his sister, Mary Martin of Vero Beach, FL, and her children, Michael Carmody (Alicia) of Weaverville, NC; Jacqueline Rosati (John) of Asheville, NC; and Philip MacTaggart of Vero Beach, FL; and his brother-in-law, Gary Siekierski of Schenectady, NY.  He also leaves behind four great-nephews, Thomas J. and Quinn Carmody and Dominic and Jack Rosati.  Michael was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elizabeth (Betty) Martin; his infant sister, Jacqueline Martin; and his sister-in-law, Bernadette Siekierski.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 20, 2024, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, NC.  The family will receive friends from 12:15 PM until the time of the service in the Assembly Room at the church.  Interment will follow at Forest Lawn East Cemetery in Matthews, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Michael’s memory to the American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org/ or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.