Obituary

Mark Andrew Martin, age 66, was born on January 9, 1959, to Charles Edwin Martin and Ann Josephine Martin of Welch, West Virginia.  Mark had four siblings, Bruce Allen, Richard Eric, Nancy Gail, and Virginia Ann.

Living in Welch, West Virginia, Mark grew up with a passion for creativity of the arts, and the outdoors.  Mark loved to play in the hills of West Virginia pursuing his love for photography.  He graduated from Welch High School, attended the Pittsburgh Art Institute and earned his degree in photography.

Mark loved to learn new things and wasn’t scared to take up a new trade.  In his early career days, Mark worked in the coal mines in McDowell Co. W.V.  His Position was a track layer and general laborer, building stoppings and setting timbers.  In the mid 80’s Mark worked in the Powder River Basin in Gillette, Wyoming. He worked on a team building large electric mining shovels and also in a warehouse.  His days were often long as were his work weeks and he loved every minute of it.

After his stint in mining, Mark settled down in his photography career in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Mark’s keen eye for capturing special memories and attention to detail was evident in everything he did.  He loved his photography career and catered to the needs of his customers.  Mark always aspired for that perfect moment capturing the special events of their lives.

Mark was also an avid outdoorsman who found joy in nature and adventure. He also had a deep appreciation for collecting knives and guns, a hobby that reflected his admiration for fine detail and craftsmanship.

Soon after, he met his previous wife, Lisa.  Mark and Lisa were blessed with their beautiful daughter Ellen Anne Martin.  Ellen is the love of Mark and Lisa’s lives.

Beyond his interests, Mark was known for his kind heart and generous spirit.  He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. His laughter and quick wit could brighten any room, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Mark is survived by his daughter, Ellen Anne Martin of Pittsburgh, his sister Virginia Martin and her wife Lesia Martin of Welch, WV., his sister Nancy Edmonds and her husband John Edmonds of Aurora , Co.; and his brother Richard Martin and his wife Doris Martin of Pa.

Mark also is survived by his nieces and nephews: Autumn Moore-Martin, Justin Edmonds and his wife Amy, Jonathon Edmonds, Eric Martin and his wife, Stephanie Aragon Martin, Danielle Martin Thomason, Elizabeth Martin Foley and her husband Owen, Josh Martin, Kevin Tarantino and his wife Tina, and Heather Tarantino Maturin, and her husband Joe.

For the last 15 years Mark had the pleasure of being Nancy Stopko’s partner.  Nancy’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren loved and respected Mark as if he was their father and grandfather.  Mark had an especially close bond with Nancy’s grandson Sergeant Scott Stopko.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Martin and Ann Martin, as well as his oldest brother Bruce Martin of Birmingham, Alabama.

A memorial service will be held on March 15, 2025, at Hindman Funeral Homes and Crematory, located at 1521 Frankstown Rd., Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 15902.  A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10am until the time of the memorial service at 12 noon with Pastor Jim Gay officiating.

Mark’s kindness, generosity, infectious laughter and wit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those who loved him.

Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., “Exclusive Provider of Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHome.com.