Obit: J. Paul Martin, 98, of Oxford Who Was An Usher At St. Thomas the Apostle Church

J. Paul Martin, age 98, of Oxford, beloved husband of the late Viola Rzeszutek Martin, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at Shady Knoll Healthcare Center, Seymour. 

Born in Quebec, Canada May 11, 1916, the son of the late Joseph and Agnes LaFramboise Martin. Paul was a devout communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Oxford, where he had been an usher and offertory collector. 

Paul moved to Vermont with his parents and siblings when he was just one-year old. He moved to Connecticut in 1935 and began doing landscaping work. He met Viola  Rzeszutek at a  grange dance, they married in 1940 and they had a daughter Lorraine Martin Jordan. Paul has two grandchildren Karen Kapusta of Saugus, MA. and Nancy Mince of Carmel, IN. and a great-grandchild Alexandra Mince of Carmel, IN.

Paul owned and operated his own Landscaping and Asphalt Driveway business for over 35 years until his early retirement because of back and knee surgeries. 

Mr. Martin served in the U.S. Army during WWII from 1943-1945, serving in Germany during that time. Paul was a charter member of The American Legion, David S. Miles Post, #174 of Oxford and a charter member of the Oxford Fire Department.  

Paul's biggest enjoyment was spending time with his wife and daughter, he especially enjoyed spending time at Lake Candlewood in New Milford, CT, where they spent many hours swimming and water skiing. 

Perhaps his biggest enjoyment was fishing, you would find him out on the lake fishing early every morning, even in the winter, you would see him suited up with heavy clothing while he went ice fishing. He also enjoyed playing cards with his in laws and friends,  putting money in  the"Kitty" and going to the horse races. Paul and his wife also enjoyed going to the casinos in their later years. 

Besides his wife Viola he was predeceased by his brother, Marcel Martin, sisters,  Yvette Kelly, Gabrielle Dumas, Laurette Porter and Lucille Tanner.

A Memorial Mass in Celebration of Paul's 's Life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 11:00 am (Directly) at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 733 Oxford Rd. Oxford CT. Interment in the family plot will take place at Southford Cemetery, oxford at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Paul's memory to St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 733 Oxford Rd., Oxford, CT 06478 , Shady Knoll Healthcare Center, 41 Skokorat St., Seymour, CT 06483 or The David S. Miles  American Legion, Post #174,  43Oxford Rd., Oxford,CT 06478. 

The Miller-Ward Funeral Home of Seymour has been entrusted with handling his arrangements.  To light a virtual candle or leave online condolences please visit www.millerwardfuneralhome.com