Martin Patrick Cottingham

Martin P. Cottingham was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 23, 1943, to John and Nora (nee Doyle) Cottingham of County Galway and County Mayo, Ireland. He attended Holy Name School and Chelsea Vocational High School. Martin loved his childhood summers at Seamans Beach and Greenwood Lake.

Martin served our country in honor as a private first class in the United States Army in South Korea from 1962-1964. In 1969, Martin married Kathleen Trapp, and began their 54-year marriage.

After the Army, Martin would become a proud member of 32BJ union working for firms such as Williamson, Picket & Gross, until he joined the NYC Department of Sanitation, where he was literally one of New York’s Strongest. He was a proud member of the NYC Department of Sanitation Emerald Society. He would proudly march every year up 5th Avenue on St Patrick’s Day. In his retirement, Martin worked for Mulligan Security until his responsibilities expanded to dropping-off and picking-up his Grandchildren from school.

Martin was a huge sports fan always rooting for the NY Giants. In addition he was a Mets/Yankees Fan, depending upon who was in first place at that time. Martin spent his free time as a part-time bartender at Fluffy’s and McBear’s, a t-ball coach for the Holy Name Fathers Guild, an usher at Holy Name Church, volunteer for the Great Irish Fair, and a proud member of the McFadden Brothers VFW Post where he shared good times with other Veterans. Martin especially enjoyed traveling with his siblings and the Farrell’s Football Club, and spending summer days in Breezy Point with his family.

Martin is survived by his loving wife Kathleen; devoted children Martin (Kathleen), Christopher (Jacqueline) and Aimee; adoring grandchildren Brendan, Genevieve, Morgan and Lynn; sister Patricia Sohn (Ted); brothers John and Thomas (Eileen); and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and life-long friends. Martin was predeceased by his granddaughter Ann and sisters, Mary Leonard, Ann Foulkes and Susan Murray. Martin’s bigger-than-life personality will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy, located in the former Holy Name School at 241 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, New York 11215.

A visitation for Martin will be held Monday, March 18, 2024, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm at M.J. Smith Sons, 255 Ninth Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 10:00am at Holy Name Church, 245 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215.