SPRINGFIELD – Richard W. Martin, 89, of the East Springfield section of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Sunday, August 6, 2023. He passed into Eternal Life at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Taunton, Massachusetts on January 28, 1934, a beloved son of the late Manuel and Gertrude (Platt) Martin. He was raised in Springfield, graduated from the High School of Commerce in Springfield in 1951 where he played on the football team, and lived in Springfield for most of his life. He retired as an IT Manager at Hamilton-Standard in Windsor Locks, CT in 1992 and was previously employed at the former Fisk Tire and Rubber Company in Chicopee. He was a longtime communicant of Mary, Mother of Hope Church in Springfield where he served his parish as a Eucharistic Minister for over 20 years. In life, Richard was an intelligent, genuine, selfless man of his family. A self-taught mechanic and craftsman, his skills were valuable to all who knew him. He was often called on to help with different projects like building storage sheds, replacing roofs, and remodeling or repairing rooms. If you were stuck in the rain with a flat tire or sitting on a tow truck with a cracked radiator and a dead battery, Richard was just one phone call away with tools and a plan. No problem was too great and no call too inconvenient. In his spare time, he could be found reading a good novel, , building model airplanes, completing one of many daily crossword puzzles, woodworking in his basement, and watching football. He was sure to set aside time to spend with friends, going to breakfast with lifelong friend Paul Rivest or having coffee with co-worker Norman Lapointe. Richard also cultivated friendships that evolved to create extended family, playing cards, traveling, and raising his children alongside dear friends, Sandra and Andre Tessier. Most of all, he enjoyed spending his time with the love of his life, Theresa. Richard was a man of few words, often keeping to himself and observing those around him. Even while keeping a watchful eye, he had no problem making a joke or playfully teasing you just to let you know he was listening. He had no exaggerated sense of self or importance but treated others just as he would want, himself or his family, to be treated. He lived his life to help others without expecting anything in return. He was empathetic and never inferred judgement toward anyone. Above all else, Richard was genuinely honored to serve God. He loved spending time with his family and his many friends. Richard leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Theresa M. (Courtney) Martin. They were married on June 25, 1955 at the former Holy Family Church in Springfield and were blessed with over 68 years of happiness together. He also leaves his six loving children, Lynn M. LaFleche, Susan I. Martin and Thomas M. Martin and his partner, David, all of Springfield, Kenneth J. Martin and his wife, Kim, and Paul D. Martin, all of Chicopee, and David P. Martin of Springfield; his nine cherished grandchildren, Sarah (Marcil), Jessica (Tim), Kristie, Richard (Veronica), Kyle (Jessica), Karrie (Chris), Kenneth II (Jaime), Kevin (Nicole), and Kraig; his 12 cherished great grandchildren; his dear brother, Daniel Martin of Springfield; his dear sister in law, Marguerite Wendt of Germany; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved son, Richard "Ricky" Martin who was Called Home on July 7, 1981; his two dear brothers, Russell Martin and John Martin; and his dear sister, Shirley Schirck. His relatives will receive friends on Wednesday August 16, 2023 from 10-11 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Boulevard, Springfield, MA 01104. His Burial will be private. His funeral arrangements are entrusted to the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to Mary, Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Boulevard, Springfield, MA 01104. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com