Tribute

Keith R. Martin passed away on April 5th, 2024 at his home in Phoenix, AZ after a long illness with leukemia. He was born in Washington, PA on March 19th, 1950 to Beverley and James Martin, who preceded him in death, along with his older brother Jace Martin. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Marilyn Martin, and his sons, Matt Robeson Martin, of San Francisco, CA, and Douglas (Traci) Martin of State College, PA, as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, brothers in law and sisters in law, and many close friends and business associates. After Keith graduated from Washington High School, he joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves in 1968 as an Airman First Class and was additionally trained as a Medic. He was very proud of his service to his country and was honorably discharged in September 1971. Prior to that, he had enrolled at Penn State University and traveled monthly back to the greater Pittsburgh airport for his reserve duty. He graduated in 1973 with a B.S. in Hotel and Food Service. His career started with Saga Food Service at Rosemont College in Philadelphia, and soon his career evolved into several entrepreneurial efforts along the way. Some of his accomplishments were creating a Medical Imaging Center in Hackensack, NJ, and starting a mobile lithotripsy company, Northern Litho, where he worked alongside his wife. His last effort was Advanced Metal Processing, a metal recycling operation out of Hollidaysburg, PA. Keith was known for his ability to start a business from the bottom up, hire the right employees, and develop the contacts, customers, and honest business practices to make it successful. His quick wit and sense of humor was enjoyed by everyone he came in contact with in any situation. Luckily he met the love of his life, Marilyn, during his first week as a student at Penn State University, where they became college sweethearts, and were married right after graduation in 1973. They lived in several locations starting in suburban areas of Philadelphia, Westfield, NJ, and happily back in State College, PA for 25 years before retiring to Phoenix, AZ. Keith was always an avid Penn State fan, and was always proud to wear the "blue and white" and say "We ARE..(Penn State)”, whenever possible. While his boys were growing up, Keith got involved with Little League, Indian Guides, Cub Scouts, and anywhere a Dad was needed. In his younger days, he loved riding the wooded trails on his dirt bike, scuba diving, camping, and hiking. When he turned fifty years old, he discovered the thrills of snowmobiling along with Marilyn and other good friends and rode all over. He loved to travel and did many cross-country trips across the U.S. When he wasn't golfing, he loved riding in his boat across Lake Chautauqua. A celebration of his life will be held on the lake this summer. He will be sorely missed as one great guy and wonderful husband and father!

Friends & Family

Marilyn Martin - spouse, Matt Robeson Martin - son, Douglas and Traci Martin -son and daughter-in-law