Christopher Joseph Martin

Christopher Joseph Martin

 April 29, 1964 – January 9, 2024

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Christopher Joseph Martin, who died peacefully with his mother Barb by his side on January 9, 2024. Although Chris is no longer of this earth, his love, strength, bravery and friendship live on and will continue to touch and inspire those who knew and loved him.

Chris was a fierce friend with an easy laugh and amazing sense of humor. He was born on April 29, 1964 in Delaware, Ohio, where he lived throughout his childhood and teen years surrounded by family and friends, attending St. Mary’s School through 8th grade and graduating with the Class of 1982 from Rutherford B. Hayes High School, where he served as student-body president his senior year.

After moving to Columbus, Ohio, he located permanently in Tampa, Florida where he proudly tended to his home and gardens and enjoyed time living close to his family.

Chris was a graphic artist for the publishing industry, creating colorful photo spreads in home design and decorating magazines, advertising and other publications. Through his work and in his personal life, he brought his creativity, style and passion for art and music to everything he touched.

He was always up for an adventure and never let any physical challenges get in his way, overtaking any and all obstacles with bravery, determination and a smile. His strength will forever inspire us.

Chris is survived by his loving mother, Barbara, who lived with Chris in Tampa. She was his constant companion and caregiver throughout his illness, providing 24/7 care and freely sharing her energy, love and strength with her youngest son. He was preceded in death by his father, Ed, in 2023.

Chris will live on in the memories of his brother Mark of Windsor, Colorado, stepmother Judy of Delaware, Ohio, Aunt Beverly and Uncle Russell Lawson, cousins Megan and Chris Engle, Mike Ruby and Joe Ruby, Jr. and their families, his dearest friends Anne Holm Brown, Gary Motto, Roger McCauley, Ibby Fisher, and Doug Starcher and many more family and friends whose souls Chris has touched through his too-short lifetime.

Chris has requested no memorial service. He asks friends and family to remember him through your financial donations to assist his mother with expenses related to his passing. Donations in honor of Chris can be made to the Christopher J. Martin Memorial Fund on GoFundMe. https://www.gofundme.com/chris-martin-memorial-fund

Thank you for your generosity and for providing support and comfort to those he left behind.

Next time you hear Madonna, Prince, Grace Jones, or any other song that reminds you of Chris, smell the sweet pineapple smell, feel the breeze, take a walk on the beach and breathe in the air, know that Chris is walking with two legs right beside you in spirit. He will always be with us. He is happy and at peace.