Bernard Francis Martin

Bernard Francis Martin, age 93, beloved husband of Roxanne (Gette) Martin for over 65 years, passed away on August 11, 2021. Bernard “Barney” was born on August 22, 1927 to Bernard and Dorothy (deWitt) Martin.  He was a lifelong Fairfield resident.

After serving in WWII as a radar operator with the United States Navy on the USS Spangenberg (DE-223), Barney had a varied career which began as a bank examiner with NY State. Following that, he was a stock broker with Eastman Dillion Union Securities for 20 years.  In 1971 he became the owner of Moody & Co., a racquet sports wholesale distributor, supplying a wide array of racquet sports equipment until 1992. After selling  Moody & Co., Barney embarked on a new career at Doyle Insurance Agency until his retirement. Barney was involved with his community, serving on the Board of City Trust Bank, and he served as the Treasurer of the Connecticut Audubon Society for many years. As a longtime member of the Fairfield County Hunt Club, he served as President and a member of the Board of Governors.

Barney spent time volunteering in the Bridgeport School District tutoring at risk youth, as well as volunteering at Operation Hope in Fairfield for many years. An avid sportsman, Barney loved all racquet sports, golf, bowling and skiing. He skied all over the world, from Tuckerman’s Ravine on Mt. Washington to the Austrian Alps. He was a great supporter of youth sports, always encouraging good sportsmanship. Barney was known for his congeniality and sense of humor that brightened the lives of those who knew and loved him.

In addition to his loving wife, Roxanne, Barney is survived by his daughters, Dana Roxanne Martin, Christine deWitt Martin and her husband Daniel Schwab; his grandsons, Andrew Martin Linke, his wife, Bethany Everett, and Stuart Martin Linke, and his wife, Jamie Benway; his great-grandson, Levi Linke; and his great-granddaughters, Elsa Linke and Miller Linke. He is also survived by many nieces and Nephews.

Services for Barney will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Best Friends Animal Society, Kanab, UT (in Bernard's memory) (www.bestfriends.org) or to Operation Hope of Fairfield, 636 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. For information or to sign an online register, please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com