Obituary: Joe Martin, 1965-2020

Joe died unexpectedly and tragically. He had struggled with drug and alcohol dependency and addictions for many decades. Joe was in and out of many rehabs and halfway houses in Vermont. He kept a positive attitude, saw the best in people, had a heart of gold and would help anybody.

Joe graduated from Milton High School in 1984. He worked at Queen City Printers and the Offset House for many years. He loved Lake Champlain, fishing, a backpack full of brewskis, space, muscle cars, concerts, WIZN, his family, a Stephen King book, getting high and Jesus. He was also very proud to be Scottish. Most recently, he enjoyed the Brit Floyd concert at the Flynn and reuniting with his “wizard best friends.” Over the years, a lot of Joe’s friends died from addiction. He often reminisced about them. Pink Floyd’s Learning to Fly was a favorite, and it seems appropriate now.

Joey leaves his dad Joseph and Ila; brother Danny; sisters Lisa and Ann; nieces Tia and Jessica; and nephews Gage and Jade. He is predeceased by his mother, Sally Martin, of Milton; and younger sister Jennifer.

There were a lot of good times and a lot of sad, heartbreaking times. Having addiction is a very hard thing for families, and we encourage anyone struggling to reach out for help. The family thanks the counselors, friends and anyone who helped Joe and encouraged him to get clean and sober.

Joey, you will be always loved and greatly missed. Until we meet again.

This article appears in Jun 3-9, 2020.