Mr. Gerald "Buzzy" E. Martin

Retired Waterbury Firefighter

WATERBURY - It is with great sadness that the family of Gerald E. “Buzzy” Martin, age 84 of Middlebury, formerly of Waterbury, share the news of his peaceful passing on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. He was the beloved husband of Diana (Sasso) Martin for 62 wonderful years. 

Buzzy was born on July 12, 1940, in Waterbury, the son of the late Leo and Mary (Michaud) Martin. He was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School. Buzzy was a proud member of the City of Waterbury Fire Department for 30 years. He retired as a Lieutenant and was a mentor and role model to many firefighters who were fortunate enough to work alongside him. He ran his own HVAC company, GEM Burner Service. A generous and kind man, he often donated his services to those in need. He was a self-taught expert at numerous trades including carpentry and woodworking. In his retirement years, Buzzy enjoyed golfing with friends and served as the president of the Aviglianese golf league. 

Buzzy was a giant of everything good—humility, integrity, and generosity. He excelled the most at being a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His girls called him “the ultimate girl dad.” He taught respect, sacrifice, integrity, and love by example. He was their greatest and most supportive fan. Buzzy loved and treated the men they married like sons. His grandchildren held a very special place in his heart and his great-grandchildren lit up his life. His family will be forever grateful for the many sacrifices Buzzy made for them, for the beautiful memories he made possible, and for his unconditional love. 

Along with his wife Diana, Buzzy leaves behind his three daughters and their spouses: Theresa Pizarro and her husband, Jose, of Waterbury; Elizabeth DaSilva and her husband, Zem, of Waterbury; and Gretta Nardelli and her husband, Anthony, of Middlebury. Buzzy and Diana were blessed with 5 grandchildren: Megan Krauchick and her husband, Mark; James Palomba; Joseph DaSilva and his wife, Liesel; Michael DaSilva and his wife, Gabriela; and Kenneth Blankenship. He leaves three great-grandsons, E. Griffin Linehan, Maxwell Krauchick, and Benno DaSilva. He also leaves a sister, Colleen Rakich of Farmington, and his faithful four-legged companion, Jackson. Buzzy was predeceased by his siblings Allen Martin and Constance Couture and his in-laws, Robert and Gretta Wise. All will cherish his memory.

Funeral services with Waterbury Fire Department honors will be held on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. from Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends may visit with the Martin family on Monday morning from 8:30 until 9:30. To honor Buzzy’s memory and in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Waterbury Fire Department Mutual Aid Society, WFAA Inc, P.O. Box 661, Waterbury, CT 06720-0661. If you would like to offer a message of condolence and share a memory with the family of Buzzy, you may do so on the funeral home tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com.