George L Martin

“As I stumble through life towards God’s loving embrace, I think about how beautiful my entire family is, freckles, imperfections, and all,” were George L. Martin’s last thoughts. Born September 5, 1935, George passed away on January 24, 2026. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas F. and Margaret Rose (nee First), sister, Dolores Lucas, brothers, Rev. Thomas F. Martin, and Gerald J., and leaves behind brother, Richard J. (late Mary Ellen). George is survived by his soul mate, Anne (nee Busta). Married in 1966, they raised eight children, passing on a love of gardening, German Shepherds, renovating homes, camping, and travelling: Catherine (late Tom Garcia), Margaret (Dave Myers), Paul, Elizabeth (Eric Aslakson), John (Mildy), Ruth, Rachael (Bill Nolan), Sarah (Kirk Kudrna), and Doug Prahl. George enjoyed his many grandchildren with Anne and delighted in storytelling with them. Throughout his life, George always said, “teaching gives me a natural high,” which started with his own education at Nativity B.V.M., where the Adrian Dominican Sisters helped him overcome his dyslexia. His academic journey continued at Benedictine High School ’54, St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota ’59 and then John Carroll University M.A. ’69 when he became a Reading Specialist, as well as a teacher. He was also a long-time Realtor. George was also engaged in countless ministries, to include the American Red Cross, Gesu Church, and the Gottscheer Heimatchor (German choir) with his wife. Furthermore, he spent more than 25 years ministering to individuals in the criminal justice system at the Justice Center in Cleveland and volunteering with Restorative Justice groups throughout North America. George believed, “all life’s experiences are valuable and part of God’s ultimate plan. We are to celebrate each day in God’s presence with loved ones.” 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of the Gesu, 2470 Miramar Blvd., University Hts., OH 44118 on Saturday, February 7 at 11:00 A.M. Interment St. John’s Abbey Cemetery, Collegeville, MN at a later date. In lieu of flowers, consider donations to the Martin Family Scholarship Endowment Fund, Benedictine High School @ St. Andrew Abbey, 10501 Buckeye Rd., Cleveland, Ohio 44104.