qJanuary 2, 2024
Frederick Stephen Martin Sr., 86; of Granby, NY passed away at his home Thursday, January 2nd, 2025.
Fred was born December 17, 1938; in Fulton, NY to the late Stephen G. and Gertrude F. (Michalski) Martin. He remained a lifetime resident of Fulton/Granby area until his retirement when he and his wife enjoyed wintering in Florida. Fred was a 1956 graduate of Fulton High School and at the age of nineteen, Fred received his Pilot license. He was always an avid outdoorsman. Fred loved to hunt and fish having only missed this last hunting season due to his illness. He began his work experience with B&T Sports, Fulton and then in 1961 Fred founded Martin Fisheries which later became Martin’s Bait Farm, Granby, NY where he bred crawfish and frogs for wholesale. In February 1961, Fred also joined the New York State Police Academy, Albany, NY beginning a career of civil service which lasted over 20 years. During his tenure Fred worked for a year with the Fulton City Police Department before transferring to the NY State Police working in Waterloo, Phoenix and Fulton, NY. During that time, he was also assigned as a bodyguard to Governor Nelson Rockefeller when he was visiting the area. In 1974, Fred’s Trooper barracks was one of a few tasked to work the conflict at Big Moose near Old Forge, NY. Several Troopers had their families living at a nearby hotel for over a month while Troopers lived in tents while on duty. Fred was also asked to become an Investigator twice but declined both times citing that his children were small, and he did not wish to have them uprooted and transfer schools nor did he want to give up his thriving bait business and second successful business Shannon’s Hot Dogs. In 1981, Fred retired after a long and satisfying career with the NYS Troopers. Later having sold one business; Fred remained actively working in his bait business (at the age of 86) until October 2024.
Fred was pre-deceased by his wife of over 50 years: Sharon E. Martin in 2014 and his sister: Susan G. Martin in 2017.
He is survived by his children: Frederick S. Jr., and Stephanie M. both of Fulton, his brother George Martin of Seneca Falls, NY and several nieces and nephews.
Calling Hours will be held Thursday, January 9th, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Sugar Funeral Home Inc., 224 W. 2nd St. S., Fulton.
A Funeral Service will follow at 6:15 PM at the Sugar Funeral Home Inc., with Rev. Jeff Dean officiating.
Burial will be held in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fulton, NY.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Fred’s honor at New York State Troopers https://nystf.org/contact-us
(attn. Rachel) or https://nyfb.org/programs/foundation/donate.
Fred was such a great man, he will be missed beyond words! Rest in peace sweet Fred!
thankyou for all you have done. condolences to the family. sincerely, susan bristol- pro-ed board member oswego county farm bureau
On behalf of the Oswego County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, please accept our sincere condolences. We discussed Fred at our meeting last night. We missed him at our recent annual meeting dinner and were very sorry to hear about his passing. Fred leaves a tremendous legacy of public safety service and service to the agriculture community. I tell kids today there are 4 things worth pursuing!in life, Public Safety, Education, Health Care and Agriculture. For a man to have been successful in 2 of those fields is an amazing accomplishment. Again, our deepest sympathies …..
Regards,
Bruce Gibson
Oswego County Farm Bureau President
Fred was a kind person, I enjoyed our visits when I delivered meals. I appreciate the opportunity to know him. My prayers for the family, friends and neighbors.
So sorry to learn of his passing. He and our father used to fly at the little Granby airport many, many years ago. When my sister and I were young we called him “ Sky King” after the old television show. We didn’t have to call him by his real name. If we said “Sky King”, we knew who we were talking about. He was always nice to us and spoke if we saw him.
Wow, I just found out. Fred and my Dad, Cody Babcock used to fly together and were friends for many years. My sister and I used to call Fred Sky King as he reminded us of the actor that played Sky King on Tv(I know I just dated myself). I still called him that the last time I spoke to him before I moved south. Fly high Sky King!