Ernest Anthony Martin

August 6, 1935 - January 23, 2017

Ernest Anthony Martin, 81, passed away suddenly and peacefully on January 23 with his wife, as always, by his side. The son of Italian immigrants, Ernie grew up in Freedom, PA. As a young man he served his country with great pride then returned home and made his career in real estate. Ernie was a realtor, land developer, builder, and an appraiser for over fifty years. But he will be remembered and missed most for the beautiful life he built for his family. Ernie was a generous and legendary man who lived life on his terms. And his capacity for love was epic. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of over ?fty-seven years, Judith (Lalama) and their four daughters - Laurie and Bob Rice, Beth Martin and John Theil, Dominique and Anthony Mendicino, and Lisa and Curt Latshaw, his sister, Lena (Demer) Stevenson, two sister-in-laws, Tomi Martin and Mary Martin, a special nephew, Robert Joseph Martin, numerous nieces and nephews and lifelong buddies. He was the adoring grandfather, and soon-to-be great grandfather of Dana Barger Oliver and her husband Dominick, Randy Chase Barger and his wife Christina, Carley McKenna, Wesley Rice and his wife Maria, Curtis and Grace Latshaw, and Maura and Anthony Mendicino. He was also a "dog-father" who will be missed by his many four-legged friends. Ernie was preceded in death by his father and mother, Joseph and Josephine Martin, and his brothers Ledo Martin, Sharon, Pa and A.J Martin, Beaver, PA. Visitation will be Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc.2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in St. Frances Cabrini Roman Catholic Church with Father Martin Bartel, O.S.B. Officiating. Everyone is asked to meet in church. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.The Beaver County Special Unit will conduct military honors at the cemetery.A parish vigil service will be held at 2:45 p.m. in the funeral home. Ralph Waldo Emerson said ?When you were born you were crying and everyone else was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you?re the one who is smiling and everyone else is crying.? That is exactly what Ernie did.