Martin Vetere

It is with a smile and fond memories that we remember Martin "Marty" Vetere, a witty, highly intelligent, dedicated, and loyal man who left us on August 13, 2025. He was born to Ercole and Magdalene Vetere, immigrants who settled in New York from San Martino de Finito Calabria Italy, as a first generation US citizen. He was born on March 21, 1940, in Hempstead, New York. Martin was a man who indeed lived by his initial name “Ercole” or “Hercules” as he built his family and career from the ground up despite his very humble beginnings. He is known for believing and practicing the following: "Weak people revenge. Strong people forgive. Intelligent people ignore,” Albert Einstein. It suggests that different responses to provocation reflect varying levels of inner strength and wisdom, with ignoring being the most superior approach.

Martin's future family’s journey started when he, at the age of 16, met his future wife, Evelyn, aged 13, in a park in New York. This chance encounter blossomed into a love story that spanned six decades having wed on October 21, 1961. They shared three children together, many pets and countless friends and neighbors over their 64 years of marriage. Their adventures together were spent traveling and living in NY, Ohio, Wyoming, Missouri, North Carolina, Kansas and Washington state. They enjoyed exploring cities, landmarks, and parks, visiting family and forming enduring friendships. Marty’s dedication to family was only matched by his love for democracy, hard work, personal education, and respect for Mother Earth and all things wild. He was rarely found idle in his lifetime.

After serving in the Navy as an Electronics Technician for 3 years and 7 months, Martin embarked on a remarkable career with NOAA and the National Weather Service. His spirited and humorous approach to work saw him rise through the ranks over a span of 30 years, moving into positions of higher authority and responsibility. But his dedication was not only to his career. He spent countless hours volunteering at the local Lions Club, Mensa clubs and thrift shops (repairing electronics). Martin was a man who offered to lend a capable DIY hand, whether it was to family, friends, or the community and had the talent to do just about anything.

In his spare time, Martin, or Shen as he was also affectionately known, loved being outdoors, gardening, woodworking, making soaps and candles, playing board games, studying science, listening to music, hunting, and shooting. His deep respect for nature shone through in his beautiful stained glass creations and lovely productive gardens. His sharp wit and quick tongue made him a memorable character, and he was never one to shy away from those whose differences colored this world. He strongly supported freedoms and liberties protecting all humans as well as improving protections for Mother Earth and her creatures. He was a devoted husband and father who encouraged his family to respect others, improve their minds and be open to all possibilities. He was the human companion for many pets including being survived by his devoted dog, Brandi. He lived a good, descent and comfortable life. As the saying goes, "In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." He was lucky to have had both.

Martin is survived by his lifelong adoring partner, Evelyn, their loving son, Martin Scott (Lori), devoted daughter, Bridget (Bill), Grandchildren Christopher, Mathew, Jacob and Jared (Amanda), Great grandchildren, Lydia, Peyton, Samuel and Riley, Great grandpuppy Zinfandel (Zinnie) his brother in-law Bernard (Silvia), sister-in-law Karen (Dave), his nieces Raphaella (Anthony) Lena (Shea) Rachel (Jay) and Amber (Jamie), nephews Joseph (Lena), Micheal (Trixie) as well as many great nieces and nephews and numerous cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ercole and Magdalene, his in-laws Isidore and Dorothy, his sister Martha & her husband Anthony, his son Mark Lee, many lifelong friends and family as well as his beloved canine companions: Lady, Trixie and Trixie too.

Please join us in celebrating Martin's life by sharing your favorite memories, stories, and photos on his memorial page. He and Evie welcomed all at their table as they shared a love of friendship, food and fun in their lifetime together and welcome memories presently in his death. We remember him not just for his loyalty and openness, but also for his spirited personality and witty sense of humor. It is these moments we cherish and remember, keeping his memory alive in our hearts.

“We are made wise not by the recollection of our part, but by the responsibility for our future”

“Remembrance and celebration of life” information to be announced.