ILION – Mr. Roger Martin, age 85, of Barringer Rd., Ilion, a longtime Ilion resident, died unexpectedly on Tuesday afternoon, March 29, 2016, at his residence, after a brief illness. Roger was born on September 7, 1930 in New Brunswick, Canada, the son of the late Xavier and Yvonne (Castonguay) Martin. He was educated in Canada and Maine schools. After finishing his schooling, Roger joined the United States Air Force and proudly served his country in Korea from 1950-1954. Upon his return from service, Roger was married to the former Marie Therese Martin, on January 29, 1955, in Edmundston, Canada. The two spent over sixty years together and proudly raised their family. Roger was a hardworking man who spent his career as an electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1249, a position from which he retired. Besides being a member of the IBEW, Roger was also active in the Ilion Knights of Columbus #518 in the Fourth Degree Assembly and at the Ilion American Legion Post 920. He and his wife practiced their Catholic faith and were longtime parishioners of the Church of the Annunciation in Ilion. He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-one years, Theresa; his son, Roger Martin, Jr. of Martinsburg, WV; his daughters and sons-in-law, Janet and Joseph King of San Antonio,Texas, Joanne and Jay Cunningham of Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, Susan and Jeff Venditte, of Austin, Texas, and Mary Jean and Mike Pettengill, of Rochester, New York; always in Roger’s heart was the memory of his daughter, Verna Kasper, who passed away in 2004; 11 grandchildren, Marc Soules, II, Bryan Cunningham and his wife, Jenn, Daniel Cunningham and his wife, Alyssa, Michelle Kasper, Pamela Kasper, Scott Kasper, II, Chrissy Williams and her husband, James, Frances Venditte, Christopher Pettengill, Katie Gmys and her husband, Josh, and Amy Keith and her husband, Kenny; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; 2 brothers, Reno and Roland; three sisters, Noella, Velva, and infant sister; and 1 daughter, Verna Kasper. Friends and relatives are invited to attend Roger’s visitation from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 2, 2016, at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home’s newly reopened and renovated home at 102 West St., Ilion. Roger’s funeral service will commence on Saturday, April 2, 2016, immediately following visitation, with prayer at 10:30 AM from the funeral home at 102 West St., Ilion, and at 11:30 AM from the Church of the Annunciation, Ilion, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Paul Catena, Pastor. Interment will take place at St. Agnes Cemetery, North Ilion. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities of Herkimer County, 61 West Street, Ilion, NY 13357. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Roger or add to his online memorial may visit www.applegateandday.com. The Martin family has entrusted Roger’s service arrangements and supervision to their Family Funeral Director and Roger’s longtime friend, Don Applegate.