Thomas Lawrence Martin passed and returned home to our Lord on May 25, 2026 to be with his parents and siblings after a long joyful life at the age of 98.
He was born June 1, 1927 in Newport, Rhode Island to Dr. Henry A. Martin and Anna (Maloney) Martin. Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his 4 siblings: John Maloney Martin, Harry A. Martin, Jeremiah Martin, and Kathleen Martin.
Thomas was a resident of the Ladd School for many years and since 1987 he had been receiving loving and compassionate care from the devoted staff of the Looking Upwards residential program most recently in Portsmouth, RI.
He is survived by 4 nieces ,1 nephew and 1 dear cousin. They included Kathleen Fitzgerald of Kingston, RI, Geraldine Weaver of Foxboro, MA, Mary Jane Creely of Middletown, RI, Deirdre Bornholm of Wakefield, RI, Harry T. Martin of Vista, CA and Polly Martland of Portsmouth, RI.
Thomas was a curious and adventurous soul who was always smiling. He loved to be with family and the dedicated staff of Looking Upwards (his second family). Additionally, he enjoyed listening to Irish music, long scenic rides, attending social gatherings, picnics and viewing his many bird houses outside his window.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank the devoted staff of Looking Upwards, the staff of Newport Hospital and the Visiting Nurse Hope and Hospice staff for their exemplary and compassionate care for Thomas. He and his smile will be sorely missed by all who have known him.
Calling Hours will be held Sunday, May 31 from 3:00pm-5:00pm at the O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring St, Newport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 1 at 10:00 am, St. Lucy’s Church, 909 West Main Rd, Middletown. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery, 465 Browns Ln, Middletown.
Donations in his memory can be sent to Looking Upwards, Inc., P.O. Box 4289, Middletown, RI 02842, https://lookingupwards.org/giving-to-looking-upwards-donate/
