Ernest Martin, Jr.

Ernest John (Ernie) Martin, Jr., 82, of Masters Circle, Plano, TX, passed away at Sunrise Senior Living’s Memory Care facility on Friday, April 27, 2018 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born on April 1, 1936 in Catskill, NY, the oldest of five boys, to Ann (nee Brennan) and Ernest J. Martin, Sr.

Ernie was predeceased by his parents, as well as his younger brothers Barry, Richard, Roland, and Kevin; his sister-in-law, Gilda Martin; and his son, Gregg Martin.

The patriarch of his family, Ernie is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Debbie (nee Arditi), their children Andrew Martin (Colleen) of St. Louis, MO; Melissa French (Michael) of Chicago, IL; Christopher Martin of Dallas, TX, and Timothy Martin of Denver, CO; his daughters Suzanne Martin (Paul Birli) of Millerton, NY and Lynn Martin of Stratford CT; his son Gary Martin (Colleen) of Stormville, NY; sister-in-law Rosemary Martin of Coxsackie, NY; nieces Lisa (Theron) Gunderson and Bridget (Walter) Stevenson, both of Coxsackie, NY; nephews Darrin Martin of San Francisco, CA, and Shawn Martin (Gina) of Coxsackie, NY. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and 5 great-nephews. Ernie will also be missed by his constant companions, Koda, a black lab, and Kush, a Siberian husky.

A graduate of Coxsackie-Athens High School, Ernie lettered in almost every sport, and was the first member of his family to attend college. He graduated from Villanova University in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics, and began his publishing/advertising career in New York City with the Dun & Bradstreet Corporation in the accounting department of the Reuben H. Donnelley Yellow Pages division. He subsequently held various management positions in other media companies within the D&B Corporation including Moody’s International, cable television in California, and Donnelley Information Publishing. Ernie also served as the Assistant Managing Director for Thompson Locals, headquartered in Farnborough, England, and in that capacity, he represented D&B’s interests in a joint advertising venture.

Returning to the United States, Ernie and his family moved to Redding, CT, while he worked in Purchase, NY for another D&B division. They subsequently moved to Plano, TX when Ernie became President & COO of For Rent Magazine, a nationally-expanding apartment guide. It was then that he became active in the National Apartment Association, and in 2013 he was awarded their Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize his many contributions to the apartment industry. Ernie retired from For Rent in 2001 after a successful career that spanned over 44 years in multiple companies and in multiple executive positions.

Ernie often said he never worked a day in his life because he enjoyed his job, and more importantly, truly loved and appreciated the people who worked with him. To Ernie, everyone was valuable and respected regardless of their positions in the corporate world. He always found the time to talk with people, both personally and professionally, regardless of how busy he was, and was ready to listen and offer support and counsel to those who shared their problems or concerns.

Although his many jobs often required both domestic and international travel, Ernie’s first priority was always his family. He was a familiar face at all the local hockey rinks and supported his children in their passions. A master at rummy and poker, he taught his children the finer points of the games, especially how to bluff! His bigger-than-life personality was evident in everything he did; he loved to dance, was unconditionally devoted to his family both near and far, and always enjoyed a good joke. He will be remembered as a husband and father who handled difficult times with poise and grace, found the humor in every situation, and knew how to celebrate the good things in life including a wonderful meal and a good bottle of wine. To many, Ernie was also a loyal and lifelong friend and, over the years, he continued to attend his high school reunions as long as he was able.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at noon at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Plano. To honor Ernie as well as respect his wishes, a celebration of life reception will be held immediately following in the church hall. Ernie always enjoyed a party, so all are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Ernest J. Martin, Jr. would be sincerely appreciated ( www.alz.org/donate ). Please also view the family’s online guest book on the Allen Family Funeral Options site at www.affoplano.com/obits .