Frederick F Martin

Mr. Frederick F. Martin, age 80 of Bradford Arms, 379 North St. B, died Friday, December 31st at the Mt. Greylock Extended Care Facility. He was born in Pittsfield, September 2, 1941, the son of the late Roy J. and Mary E. Honiker Martin. Educated the local schools, he was proud to have earned his GED later in life. Initially, employed at the General Electric Co. here, he and his family moved in1972 to Mesa, AZ where he was employed as a coal miner for several years.
After suffering a back injury in 1974, Fred earned his CDL certification and began his truck driving career. Moving to Maryland in 1976, he accepted a Supervisory position with Ship Shape as their head of maintenance of various buildings throughout Washington, D.C. Fred and his family returned a year later to the Berkshires as a he accepted the position of supervisor of buses at the BRTA. Shortly thereafter, he agreed to become the night maintenance supervisor for the former Berkshire Mall upon its opening.
Fred next moved to Pennsylvania where he drove truck for a company there which provided trucking services for all types of cargo. He retired in 2005 after more than 30 years of driving trucks and tankers while hauling hazardous materials throughout the country. He returned to make his home in the Berkshires in 2008.
His passions began with driving trucks throughout the country and being his "own Boss" while doing so. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and boating, including owning his own Pontoon boat, and family camping trips. Many remember him playing the part of Santa Claus for many young families. He especially loved the day he AKA "Santa" arrived in the parking lot via Helicopter at the former Bradlee's. A ball room dancer, he also loved to Line Dance, and traveling to the Casinos. Most of all, his three children, his grandchildren and great grandchildren provided him the most joy in life.
He is survived by his son, Steven F. Martin and his wife, Tina, of Spring City, PA, his two daughters, Kimberly Aulisio and her husband Steve, of Hamden, MA and April Benson and her husband Mike, of Pittsfield, MA, 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, and his sister, Regina Foster of Charleston, W. Virginia. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Patty Sprague Oakes, and her husband, Kim Oakes, of Hinsdale, and his caregiver Shelle Pidcoe of Pittsfield.
Fred was predeceased by his three brothers, Daniel, Roy and Lawrence Martin and his best friend and hunting and fishing buddy, Bob Duclos.
SERVICES: Calling hours for Fred will be held this FRIDAY, Jan. 7th beginning at 11:30 am at the DEVANNY-CONDRON FUNERAL HOME with a Celebration of life to follow at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made payable to "HospiceCare in the Berkshires" in care of the funeral home.