J. Michael Martin

J. Michael Martin, 57, of Austin Street, Amsterdam died suddenly on April 30, 2015. He was born on May 11, 1957 in Schenectady, New York to the late James Martin Jr. and Monica Minogue Martin. A lifelong area resident, Mike was a 1975 graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School. He later attended Hudson Valley Community College and went on to graduate from SUNY College of Technology at Utica with a degree in Education. Mike was first employed as a Vocational Arts Instructor at Job Corp. in Glenmont before accepting a position at Amsterdam High School and later Troy High School until his retirement. Mike's true passion in life was enjoying the local racetrack scene. He volunteered countess hours and devoted his time, energy and resources to many local teams. His devotion to teaching extended to many aspects of many individual lives. He also enjoyed vacationing in Florida, snowmobiling and boating on the Sacandaga Lake. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his wife, the former Carole Golab; his mother, Monica Martin; his brothers, Daniel Martin of Boynton Beach, Florida and Timothy Martin of Lake Worth, Florida; his sisters Kelli Martin of Saratoga and Nora Jacoby of Boca Raton, Florida; his sister in law, Lisbeth Golab of Amsterdam; his brother in law, James Golab of Morganton, NC; his nieces, Zoe Jacoby, "the triplets" Olivia, Julia and Sophia Martin; Aunt Charlotte; cousins and many dear friends. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 11 o'clock at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Amsterdam, NY. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Calling hours will be held Monday evening from 4 until 7p.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to in Mike's memory to St. Mary's Hospital Foundation, 427 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam or to St. Mary's Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com