May 8, 1935 – July 16, 2022
MYSTIC, CT/OLD LYME, CT — Ronald “Ron” Martino 87, beloved husband of 62 years to Alberta Martino, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Born in New Britain, he was the only child of the late Anthony and Frances Martino.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education from CCSC and his Master’s at the University of Hartford and his 6th year certificate at UCONN. He spent the majority of his career in education serving the Old Lyme school system as principal of Mile Creek Elementary School for 25 years. In addition, he was an accomplished musician and led a 5 piece dance band that played throughout CT in the late 1950’s and early 60’s. His passion for music continued throughout his life, having played percussion in the Old Lyme Town Band, and in his retirement played piano at the Flood Tide Inn in Mystic.
When he and his wife eventually moved to Evergreen Woods he continued to play piano at many resident social events. Ron and Alberta raised their family in Old Lyme, and enjoyed living on the shoreline, taking advantage of the beaches and Long Island Sound. Ron and Alberta had a wide circle of friends with whom they socialized over dinner parties, boating, and ski trips. Ron was an avid fisherman and boater. On many Saturdays in the early hours of the morning he could be found on the waters, many of those days with his best friend Larry Kelliher chasing whatever fish wanted to jump onto their hooks.
In retirement, he and Alberta moved to Naples, Florida where they were snowbirds for 10 plus years. They moved from Old Lyme to Niantic in 2003, and moved to Evergreen Wood last year to be closer to his children. He was a loving, kind and devoted husband and father.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Christine Carey and her husband Michael of Westport and Laura Martino and her spouse Elizabeth Ingalls of Guilford and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his cousin Joe Martino who was like a brother to him.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 3 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM in the Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook. A Memorial Mass will follow at 11:00 AM in Christ The King Church, 1 McCurdy Rd., Old Lyme.
Gifts in his memory can be made to the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, P.O. Box 589, Old Lyme CT 06371 or online at LYSB.org.
I am so sorry for your loss. He was one of the best principals ever!! He was very down to earth, and so nice to all the students under his care. Even after many years, I remember seeing him and he knew exactly who I was. May he rest in peace,.
Mr. Martino was my principal at Mile Creek School. He was effective, professional, and kind – all of the qualities that make the perfect leader. As children, we respected him but did not fear him. I’m grateful to learn he had a happy retirement in this loving tribute. My sincere condolences to his family.
Mr. Martino was one of the most important people in the life of my two eldest sons when he welcomed them wholeheartedly into First Grade at Mile Creek. It was long before laws required children with physical disabilities to be educated in local public schools. They should have been in kindergarten but he understood how the physicality of kindergarten activities would exclude them too much from their peers. He & I had many a long discussion about how their integration was of prime importance. Many times his input brought me to tears but he understood & always looked out for their best interests. (They were not the only children who benefited from this exceptionally kind man.) Both of them have lived independently since leaving high school. One of them graduated from Eastern CT University & went on to receive a Masters degree at UConn. The other has worked in the NUSC Library for over 25 years! Ron Martino’s acceptance of their disabilities changed the way they were perceived by their peers & ultimately their life outcomes. I encountered him briefly before he left the area and was able to thank him personally. I send his family my sincere condolences at their loss. May they know that he made a big difference in many lives.