Anthony J. “Tony” Martyn
U.S. Navy WW II Vet, of Lowell, 88
Anthony J. “Tony” Martyn, 88, of Lowell, died Sunday, September 8th at his residence. He was the devoted husband of Julia (Nalty) Martyn with whom he celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary on January 11th of this year.
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, December 21, 1924, the youngest son of Irish emigrants, the late Richard M. and the late Mary T. (Reilly) Martyn (formerly of Ballinastack, Ballyglunin, Corofin County Galway, Ireland), he attended St. Patrick Grammar School and was a graduate of Keith Academy in the Class of 1942. As a student, Tony enjoyed participating in sports, particularly football.
In 1942, Tony enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving in the 109th Battalion Underwater Demolition Unit #3. He was awarded the WW II Victory Medal, the American Area Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon (1 star) and the Philippine Liberation Medal (1 star).
Under the G.I. Bill of Rights, Tony went on to earn his Liberal Arts Degree at St. Anselm’s College in the Class of 1950. He then pursued further studies at Northeastern University.
In 1955, Tony joined Western Electric, a manufacturing arm of AT&T. During his long and distinguished career of over 32 years, he was designated many challenging and worthwhile assignments in the updating and installation of modern technology. He played a major role in the setting up of telecommunication companies in and around Europe including Ireland. Indeed, Tony was no stranger to Irish shores where he and his wife Julia enjoyed spending time on the family farm each year. He occasionally enjoyed a pint of Guinness at the local pubs; in particular “Gills” of Ballinastack, Ballyglunin, Corofin, the birthplace and village of his parents where he was renowned for his engaging presence.
Tony had a great capacity for friendship, as his enthusiasm always inspired others. He had the most wonderful, contagious laugh. He would always ask others how they were doing and what they were up to. He expressed a keen interest in politics and could strike up a conversation anywhere; be it on a train, bus or simply on vacation. He was a great friend to those he was closest to as he valued integrity, honesty and loyalty in his friendships.
Tony was very distinguished and quite tempered with a great sense of humor known for his free spirited spontaneity. He was a person of tremendous energy and generosity. He was fair, compassionate, humble, obliging and conscientious in character. He was industrious, hard working and diligent by nature.
Tall and stirringly handsome with a commanding presence and distinctive voice, Tony was a man of great depth and charisma whose natural elegance and searing integrity endeared him to many.
A true gentleman, Tony was the ultimate professional. He exuded class and confidence. Always gracious and selfless in character, everyone who knew him will bear testimony to his unfailing courage and respect that he held for his late sister Helen during her 4 years at the nursing home (1996 – 2000).
Tony particularly enjoyed European World Cup Soccer and Irish Horse Racing. An avid reader and keen jazz enthusiast with a particular love for the “Big Band Era” and the music of “Benny Goodman” and the “Dukes of Dixieland”; he enjoyed theatre and expressed a great love and passion for the Arts in particular European Culture, with a special regard for his Irish Heritage, music and the Arts. He always said that his greatest role models were his parents whom he was especially proud of. He could emphathize with their plight as Irish emigrants, and the subsequent Greta Depression. Their courage shaped his future. He was especially excited for his parents in seeing three sons join the service, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Army.
Blessed with a keen intelligence and innate authenticity that illuminated his life, Tony was one of the most genuine, most sincere person you could ever meet. He will be remembered for the decency and conviction that he brought to his profession, family and friends.
“Ari Dheis De Go Raibh A Anam Uasal. Leaba Í Measl Na Naomh Go Raibh Agat in iothlainn De Go Goasfar Sinn GO Leir. “
Besides his loving wife Julia (Nalty) Martyn of Lowell, he is survived by his brother Hubert Martyn and his wife Thelma of Westford and their family; his mother in law Mary Nalty and his brother in law James Nalty both of County Galway, Ireland; his sisters in law Mary McNamara of Co Clare, Ireland, Christine Nalty of NY, Bernadette Nalty of Wales, UK, Philomena Nalty of London, UK; a cousin Tom Martyn and his family of Millis, MA; His late brother’s Richard’s extended family in NH and MA; Richard’s widow Madeline A. Chopellas of Lowell; his lifelong friends “the Winchester” family of CT and CA; his Godchild Catherine Winchester Burir of San Diego, CA. Also, Danny Szyszlo of Pelham, NH.
He is pre deceased by his brother Richard (1977) his sister Helen (2000), his brother John (2005, his cousin in Ireland John Martyn (2001), his nephew Richard (2013), his nieces Carolyn (2001), Theresa (2005) and Tana (2001). “Ar Dheis De” R.I.P.
Tony will be missed by his many dear friends in Ireland who remember him with deep affection. Tony was a man of great goodness. Tony was the best. He led the way. He had the gift and the ability to make every shared experience unique and the world was a better place because of his presence in it.
“A soldier above all people, prays for peace because he alone must bear the scars and wounds of War” Abraham Lincoln.
Ar Djeis De, Rest in Peace
MARTYN – In Lowell, MA, September 8, 2013, at his home, Anthony J. “Tony” Martyn of Lowell, beloved husband of Julia (Nalty) Martyn. Friends may call the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 3 to 7 P.M. Sunday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated Monday morning at ST. MARGARET CHURCH at 9:30 A.M.. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery. E-condolences/directions at odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to Veterans of Foreign Wars, 190 Plain Street, Lowell, MA 01852. Arrangements by Funeral Directors James F. O’Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866) 458-8768.
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