Gerald T. Martin (Jerry) 80, of Zephyrhills FL and formerly of Newark, Ohio passed away Monday, June 4th at the Gulfside Hospice in Zephyrhills FL with his loving wife, Marla of 43 years by his side.

Born and raised in Newark, Ohio on June 30th 1937 to Harold Martin and Edna (Ashcraft) Martin Curp. Jerry is survived by his wife, Marla; sons Scott (Pera) of Manhattan, NY and Thomas of Manhattan, NY; step-son, Jason of Dallas, TX; step-daughter, Kim (Jay) of Van Wert, Ohio; 7 grandchildren, Austin, Jared, Cade, Peyton, Hunter, Erika and Mihiret; half-brother, Eugene Curp; many special friends including, Nancy Donnolo and Carolyn Harvey.

Jerry retired from Owens Corning Fiberglas after 42 years of service as Research Machinist. After retirement he worked for Licking County Juvenile Ct. as Attendance Officer. After moving to Florida he was employed by the Pasco County Sheriffs Office as Traffic Control Officer up until his passing.

Being an avid sports fan all his life, he was truly a Ohio State Buckeye fan at heart. Jerry coached Mound City Little League Baseball, Babe Ruth, Ohio State Branch. He was a football referee 18 years, Basketball 30 years, Baseball 29 years and Softball for many years. It all started in the 1940's and 1950's when he was a batboy for Newark Yankees. He went on to play high school baseball for Newark and thanks to the urging of Tom Venatelli, he began his umpiring career high school and college spanning 30 years. He was Assistant Commissioner with the Buckeye Athletic Conference.

Thanks goes out to Gulfside Hospice in Florida for caring for Jerry during his sickness. A very special thanks to the Hospice nurses and aides during his final days. May God bless all of you for the special work you do. Donations may be made to Gulfside Hospice Zephyrhills, FL 33541. A Celebration of Life will be held July 7th at 11:30 at First United Methodist Church, 5th Street in Zephyrhills, FL. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First United Methodist Church. Services will also be held September 15th at 11:30 at the Heath Church of Christ. Internment will take place at Wilson Cemetery in Ohio.

Hodges Funeral Home Zephyrhills FL in charge of arrangements.