Louis P. Martin, 103, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 22, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario on December 10, 1913 to Antonio and Beatrice (DeFeo) Martino. He moved to Niagara Falls, NY in the late 1930's and in 1941, married Cherubina "Ruby" (Silvaroli) Martin. She predeceased him in 1998 after 57 years of marriage. Louis worked for the New York Central Railroad as a brakeman until his retirement in 1975.

The youngest of seven children, he was predeceased by his siblings, Mary (late Joseph) Donofro, Joseph (late Mary), Michael (late Lena), Rose (late Lewis) Coburn, John "Pepper" (Anne), and Carmen.

"Louie" lived on Pine Avenue in the same home for more than 66 years, and could be seen walking to Latinas for his daily supply of Portage Bakery bread and then off to OTB and Mario's. During warmer weather, he held court on his porch acknowledging the many people that he had known for decades who would often stop by for a visit. For many years, Louie, along with his good friend Stanley Carbone were the caretakers of Columbus Square Park, and the bocce champs at the Italian festival. Louie loved having the bocce courts right out his door and played every day.

He was affectionally known as the "Mayor of Pine Avenue."

He was a huge New York Yankee's and Toronto Maple Leafs fan. He often shared incredible stories of historical events that he had witnessed during his long life such as seeing Charles Lindbergh fly his "Spirit of St. Louis" over Niagara Falls, Ontario in 1927 or seeing the first "talkie" movie, "The Jazz Singer" starring Al Jolson later that same year. He loved music, especially Italian Songs and the Big Band orchestras of the WWII era.

Louie was the recipient of the Cittadini Speciale award from the Pine Avenue Business Association and the Beautiful Senior Award from the Niagara Beautification Commission for his daily clean-up efforts up and down Pine Avenue especially in Columbus Park. On his 100th Birthday he received the key to the city from Mayor Paul Dyster.

He was a longtime member of St. Joseph's Church.

Louis is survived by his children; Louis (Joan) of Town of Niagara, Jane Beaudin of Cape Cod, MA, Jim of Phoenix, AZ, David (Dominic Zambito) from Seattle, WA, and Mary Jo (Ted) Zacher; his grandchildren Nick (Christy) Martin, Aaron (Sandy) Martin, Joshua (Christina) Zacher, Matthew (Katie Lamarca) Zacher, and Danielle Beaudin. He is also survived by ten great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 28th from 2 – 4 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 12 NOON at Holy Family Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice.