SPRINGFIELD – Joseph F. Martin, 66, of the Atwater Park section of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Friday, September 9, 2016. He passed into Eternal Life at home surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Springfield on October 30, 1949, the beloved son of the late Vincent G. and Alice A. (McGovern) Martin. He was a graduate of Springfield Preparatory High School and also received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Connecticut. He was employed as a local hotel manager and previously had worked at Milton Bradley and Mattel Toys. He was a longtime communicant of the former Our Lady of Hope Church and currently was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church, both in Springfield. He also served as a Past President of the Diocesan School Board. An avid sports fan, he attended all of his children’s sporting events. He was a phenomenal cook and was considered by his family and friends to be a “master chef”. Above all, he was a loving husband and father. He leaves his beloved wife of 28 years, Kathy L. Tobin Martin. He also leaves his six loving children, Noah C. Martin of California, Auralia L. Martin and Zoe M. Martin, both of Florida, Joseph T. Martin and his fiancée, Cathy Regan, of Durham, NC, Benjamin T. Martin of Dallas, TX and Samuel T. Martin and his wife, Rachel Kellner, of Greenfield; his five grandchildren; his dear sister, Kathleen Martin Greiner and her husband, Michael, of Marstons Mills, MA; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the Martin and Tobin families. His funeral will be held on Wednesday morning, September 14, 2016 beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107, (the funeral home will open at 8:30 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104. His burial will be private at the convenience of his family. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 7p.m. His family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to Baystate Health Foundation, 280 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199 or to Golden Bears Men’s Lacrosse at Western New England University, 1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA 01119. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com