William C. “Bill” Martin, 73, a lifelong Waterbury resident, passed away in the comfort of his family at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington on Sunday afternoon, July 5, 2015, following a stroke. Born in Waterbury on July 15, 1941, he was the son of the late Earl F. and Ellen (Collins) Martin. On October 20, 1962, he married the former Virginia Lamos in Waterbury.
Bill was a 1960 Waterbury High School graduate and then joined the Vermont Army National Guard in Waterbury where he served for six years and was discharged at the rank of sergeant first class. In July of 1962, Bill began a long and successful career with the state of Vermont. Starting in general building maintenance, his vocation spanned over 40 years and he retired in 2003 as the director of building maintenance for the entire state.
In addition, Bill earned his journeyman’s license in both plumbing and electrical and was a well-known central Vermont area handyman and literal “jack of all trades.” Whether it was a minor repair, a renovation or constructing an entire home, Bill was happiest with a tool in his hand helping his family and many friends on a project. In his leisure time he enjoyed his camp on Lake Eden and his semi-annual fishing trips with friends to Lake Ontario and he was an avid Red Sox fan.
His memberships included the Waterbury-Stowe Fish and Game Club, where he was in charge of facilities and rentals, and the Harry N. Cutting American Legion Post 59 in Waterbury.
Bill is loved and mourned by his wife of 52 years, Virginia Martin of Waterbury Center; their children, Amy Martin and her longtime companion Marvin Bobar of Montpelier and Mark W. Martin of Waterbury; his grandson, Travis Wayne Bobar of Montpelier; two brothers, Earl Martin Jr. and his wife Denise of Palm City, Florida, and Robert Martin of Waterbury; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. Bill was predeceased by an infant son, Scott David Martin, in 1967.
A service to celebrate the life of Bill Martin will be held from the Waterbury-Stowe Fish and Game Club, 5365 Waterbury-Stowe Road in Waterbury Center, on Thursday, July 16, 2015, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. Friends may call at Perkins-Parker Funeral Home in Waterbury on Wednesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts would be appreciated to the Waterbury-Stowe Fish and Game Club, P.O. Box 383, Waterbury, Vermont 05676, or to the Waterbury Center Community Church, P.O. Box 216, Waterbury Center, Vermont 05677. To send online condolences visit www.perkinsparker.com.
