Peter Benedict Martin, born in 1935 to Peter and Bridget (Mitchell) Martin in New York City, passed away on December 10, 2019, after a 14-month battle with melanoma. He was 84 years old.

Peter was the first of six children born to Irish immigrants, who raised their children, grapevines and rose bushes, and a continuous stream of stray dogs, in the Clason Point section of the Bronx. He graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School and St. Bonaventure and Fordham Universities, where he studied philosophy, psychology and counseling. He worked for 35 years as a counselor and administrator for the City University of New York before becoming a mediator and teaching dispute resolution during his retirement.

Peter loved his Irish heritage, the New York Times , libraries, attending the theater and movies, taking long walks while listening to books on tape, and ignoring the "suggested donation" amounts at museums (which "should be free"). He saw the best in everyone, was quick to offer encouragement and a shoulder to cry on, and responded without hesitation if ever he saw someone in need. He had a weakness for Mallomars and ice cream.

Peter is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Patricia (Coakley), beloved children Kimberly and Peter (Susan), and his three grandchildren, Brendan and Paige Martin and Claire Zywicki, on whom he doted at every opportunity. Also surviving him are his sisters Carol Trepcos (Charlie) and Mary Ellen Cleary (Tim), numerous nieces and nephews, many cousins, and friends up and down the East Coast whose lives were made brighter for knowing him. He was pre-deceased by his parents and his brothers Eugene, Dennis and Vincent.

Per his wishes, a small memorial dinner was held in his honor on December 14, 2019.