Martin Charles Vartanian

He passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, wearing his Yankees hat, and in the care of amazing doctors, nurses, and hospital staff.

Born March 25, 1947 in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Charles Vartanian and the late Frances Katherine Cagle Vartanian. Marty graduated Bushwick High School in Brooklyn NY in 1964. In 1966, Marty enlisted with the United States Air Force, and proudly served during the Tet Offensive of the Vietnam War in 1968 and 1969. Upon returning home, Marty transitioned to the New York Army National Guard where he served alongside his father at Nike Battery NY-24 in Farmingdale, New York, a Nike Hercules missile base. Marty reached the rank of Master Sergeant, Grade E-8. Following the closure of the missile base in 1974, Marty was reassigned to the North Carolina National Guard 505th Engineer BN of the 130th MEB, where he worked until his retirement in 1992. During his 26 years of service, Marty was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with V Device, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one service star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 4 service stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal Ribbon with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, NC National Guard State Active Duty Ribbon and NC National Guard Service Ribbon with 2 Hornet’s Nest Devices.

Following his military retirement, Marty worked in Facilities Management for KinderCare Learning Centers from 1993 until 2008, gaining lifelong friends and experiences. Marty participated in the building restoration and remediation efforts for KinderCare following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and spent several months on site in Louisiana.

Marty was a long-time baseball fan and supporter. He served as the game announcer for South Mecklenburg High School and for the American Legion Post 337 baseball team in the early 2000’s. Over the past several years he watched almost every New York Yankees game.

His love for baseball and serving military veterans eventually led Marty to become the Post Commander for Pineville American Legion Post 337. In his most recent role, Marty served as Chaplain of the Post. Marty also served as a Range Safety Officer at the Charlotte Rifle and Pistol Club. He loved small arms shooting, but most of all, he loved spending time with other members of the club and reminiscing on military service and discussing family developments.

The biggest joy of Marty’s life was his family. He adored his wife of 52 years, Kathleen Klinger Vartanian, whom he married June 3, 1972. He was incredibly proud of his children, Kristin Vartanian Dills and Charles Martin Vartanian, seeing them become the first in the family to attain college degrees, and go on to successful ventures. His greatest joy of all was spending time with his grandchildren Avery, Edison, and Logan.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen; two children, Kristin Dills (Scott) of Pineville, Charles Vartanian (Amanda) of Chapin, SC; three beloved grandchildren Martin Avery Vartanian, Edison Scott Dills, and Logan Jerome Vartanian; Aunt June Cagle Stinson of Concord, Uncle Bob Cagle (Ann) of Burgaw; and many other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Vartanian and Frances Katherine Cagle Vartanian, both of Concord, as well as Uncle Frank Stinson of Concord, and many other loving relatives, Aunts, Uncles and dear friends.

A Requiem Mass will be held at 12 Noon on April 8, 2025 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 3635 Park Road, with Father Dennis Kuhn presiding. The mass will be followed by interment with Full Military Honors at Oakwood Cemetery in Concord, NC. The family will receive friends and family at McEwen Funeral Service Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road, from 9 am to 11 am.

Online condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com