Obituary of Michael John Martin
Michael John Martin, 78, passed away in Venice, FL on February 17, 2023, after a brief illness. Mike was born on November 17, 1944, in Joliet, IL to Theodore and Ruth (Darling) Martin. Mike graduated from St. Michael’s High School – Chicago, IL in 1964. He then attended Elmhurst College, where he graduated with his bachelor's degree in Inventory Management. In 1979, Mike married his wife, Margaret (Maggie) Ellerby.
Since 1994, Mike and Maggie have spent part of the year in Venice, FL. The other part of the year was spent living in Decatur, MI. Decatur was home since 1988 when Mike arrived to open the Midwest Fasteners packaging facility.
Mike’s professional career was spent in the hardware and fastener industry. After starting his career in Stanadyne Manufacturing in Chicago, Mike moved to Allied Fasteners for 6 years before moving on to Midwest Fastener – Kalamazoo, MI. Mike recently retired from Midwest Fastener as the Senior Vice President of Sales. Mike was well known and respected throughout the hardware industry and was a founding member of the HWA.
Michael enjoyed playing racquetball, cheering for the White Sox, watching sunsets, collecting wine, and Florida. He was also an avid cyclist for many years. In 2020, he traded his bike for a great pair of walking shoes and frequently put in 10 or more miles a day.
He will be remembered as a man that loved his wife, his family, the people he worked with, his career, Napa Valley, Florida, sunsets with Maggie, and wine.
Michael was predeceased by his parents, Theodore and Ruth Martin, and siblings Gene Martin, Phillip Martin, Joan Mendez, and Gary Martin.
He is survived by his wife, daughters Jenny (Pete) Carr and Diana (Rob) Porod, grandchildren Brandon Carr and Tyler Carr, brothers Dennis (Sharon) Martin, Marshall (Joyce) Martin, sister Patricia (Jim) MacDougall, and many friends and family.
Mike supported the North American Hardware & Paint Association (NHPA) and their Retail Management Certification Program (RMCP). Midwest Fastener has created an annual scholarship for the RMCP in Mike’s name. Donations in Mike’s memory can be made to the RMCP scholarship, or the charity of your choice.
Make Checks Payable to: North American Hardware & Paint Association
Memo: Mike Martin RCMP Scholarship
Mail to: NHPA / Attn: Scott Wright / 1025 E. 54th Street / Indianapolis, IN 46220
