Frederick W. Martin

Frederick “Fred” W. Martin, 72, passed away at home on September 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and dogs. 

Fred was born on August 28, 1954, in Reading, Pennsylvania, to Elizabeth Martin Brosey and William B. Martin. To reduce Fred’s life to the circumstances of his death would be to miss the point entirely. Fred’s life was about family. It was about a house where the door was open—a place where family and friends could arrive at any hour, stay for five minutes or the entire evening, and know they were welcome. It was about gatherings, conversations, helping someone who needed it, and the simple pleasure of having the people he loved nearby. 

Fred and Vickie Martin built a life together over 18 years, creating that kind of home: one where people were welcomed not only through the door, but into their lives. Their marriage was built on love, respect, humor, and the understanding that two people did not have to agree about everything to remain firmly on the same side when it mattered most. 

Fred was immensely proud of his service in the United States Air Force. He served more than 17 years on active duty and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Having served in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Though he did not often tell stories about his military years, the stories he did share were told fondly and with unmistakable pride. Whenever someone thanked Fred for his service, he was quick to say that he would do it all again without hesitation.

Aviation remained part of Fred long after his military service ended. He did not simply like airplanes; he wanted to understand them, ultimately earning his private pilot’s license. Near the end of his life, through the kindness of those who loved him, Fred was able to take one final flight. 

After leaving the Air Force, Fred worked as a commercial driver. In retirement, Fred found another passion in the kitchen. He loved cooking, trying new foods, and exploring different culinary experiences. He also rarely met a hot sauce he did not like. Heat was never the deciding factor—flavor was. Fred could appreciate a sauce that made everyone else reconsider their life choices, provided it tasted good. It might reasonably be said that Scoville units stood in fear of him. 

Fred was also an avid firearms enthusiast, but his enjoyment went well beyond collecting. He genuinely enjoyed sharing what he knew, particularly when it came to teaching others the importance of safe and responsible firearm handling. Fred was a member of the Pequea Valley Sportsman Association and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. A lifelong sportsman, he held a deep respect for the Constitution and was a steadfast supporter of the Second Amendment. 

Fred is survived by his wife, Vickie Martin; his daughters, Anna Martin and her husband, Ross Kirkhoff, and Heather Lake and her husband, Steve; his stepsons, Brian Horan and his wife, Kimberly, Patrick Horan and his wife, Kirstie, and Conor Horan and his significant other, Liz Galarza; his eight grandchildren, Brian Jr., Alyssa, Andrea, Nicholas, Sophia, Titus, Max, and Nell; as well as his niece, Donna Martin, great niece, Sarah Manmiller, and great nephew, Mark Sallas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth Martin Brosey and William Martin; his half-brothers, Donald Martin and William "Bud" Martin. 

In Fred’s final hours, the love he had spent a lifetime giving came back to him. He was at home, surrounded by his loved ones and his faithful dogs, Hank and Butch. 

Fred’s legacy will not be measured by the things he owned, the projects he completed, the miles he flew and drove, or the problems he solved. It will be measured in the people who knew they could call him, in the family that gathered around him, and in the lessons he passed on. There are lives that are extraordinary because of their simplicity: love your family, welcome people into your home, learn everything you can, teach what you know, fix what you are able to fix, respect people even when you disagree, and be there when someone needs you. Fred lived that kind of life. And his was a life worth celebrating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to honor Fred’s memory consider making a donation to a charity meaningful to them. Services and arrangements will be announced at a later date.