Bill graduated from Cleveland Heights High School, where he lettered in swimming. Following graduation, he attended both Kent State and Case Western Reserve Universities, graduating with a Master’s in Education. Bill became a Professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology at Case Western Reserve, where he worked on a special Air Force project at Doan Brook and was awarded two patents. He retired as Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering Technology at Lakeland Community College.
Bill was very active in the community. As a member of the Kiwanis Club, he designed and helped build many parade floats and coordinated the Punt, Pass, & Kick Program. Through Kiwanis, he also helped develop the annual STEM (science/technology/engineering/math) Fair for the West Geauga High School and Middle School, and delivered Meals on Wheels. As an Eagle Scout recipient, Bill was active in Boy Scouts and founded the annual Cub Scout Bicycle Safety Rodeo. He was a member of the Chesterland Historic Foundation Board of Trustees and presented numerous historic American flag programs for community groups. Bill married Dorothy Ellen Humphreys on February 14, 1953 and together they built a home in Chesterland, Ohio and raised three sons: Bill, Steve, and Jim.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy (Humphreys) Martin; three brothers: John “Jock,” Tom, and Dave Martin; and granddaughter Keri (Martin) Boyton. Surviving are his sons: William (Patti) of Malvern, Ohio; Steven of Malvern, Ohio; and James (Cara) of Prescott, Arizona, five grandchildren: Sandy (Patrick) Conochan; Steven “Chip” (Morgan) Martin; Craig (Kelsey) Martin; Alaina Martin; and Cole Martin; and eight great grandchildren – Liam, Patrick, Isaac, Eliana, Gianna, Acen, Brexley, and Rory. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 8th at Gattozzi & Son Funeral Home, located at 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, Ohio 44026. Visitation is from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on December 8th at the funeral home, followed by a service of remembrance at 1:00 p.m. Burial service will follow at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Kiwanis Club of West Geauga, 8442 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026 (Attn: Rich Levine). Online condolences and tribute video at www.GattozziandSon.com
