Tree farm was Rostraver man’s biggest love
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Whether he was teaching, selling Christmas trees or going to bat for Rostraver, George Martin put his all into his work.
“His biggest love was his tree farm. This year he planted 18,000 Christmas trees,” said his wife, Patty.
Mr. Martin operated Martins Christmas Tree Farm in Rostraver with his wife. After turning his other business, Martins Flowers & Shrubs, over to his sons, Mark, Adam and Brad, he stayed active with Martins Slightly Twisted.
“He still liked to do all that stuff, so we started doing it a little different,” she said. “We kept the Martin (name) but made it slightly twisted.”
The couple grew succulents, hanging baskets and other plants and sold them at area flea markets, festivals and venues. “We would plant them in unique containers, like old wash tubs, watering cans, shoes and boots,” she said.
George A. Martin IV, of Rostraver, died Monday, Sept. 9, 2019. He was 79.
Born in Rostraver on Oct. 10, 1939, he was a son of the late George A. III and Margaret I. (Miller) Martin.
After a stint as a lineman, he went to college to become a teacher. He taught at Elizabeth Forward Elementary School, retiring at age 55.
He founded Martins Flowers & Shrubs with his late wife, Barbara, and operated an 82-acre Christmas tree farm.
Mr. Martin got involved in local politics, serving as Rostraver commissioner from 2000-2005 and, again, from 2009-2011.
“I do know he was in it for the people. He gave it 110%,” his wife said. “He wasn’t real political. Whatever was good for the township was where he stood.”
The second time he served was to fill the unexpired term of Ralph Iacoboni.
Township solicitor Timothy Maatta said Mr. Martin was especially involved with the township sewage system and the formation of the township planning agency.
“Everybody seemed to enjoy his leadership. George did his job, and he did it well. I was always proud to work him,” Maatta said. “He was a titan.”
Mr. Martin was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara (Naylor) Martin, in 2008.
He is survived by his wife, Patty (Rankin) Martin; three sons, Mark Martin and his wife, Jennifer A., Adam Martin and his wife, Kimberle, and Brad Martin and his wife, Jennifer L.; two stepsons; six grandchildren; two brothers; and three sisters.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the James C. Stump Funeral Home, 580 Circle Drive, Rostraver, where a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday. Interment will follow at Fells Cemetery.