Alfred Joseph Martin

Age 81, of Saline, Michigan and formerly of Ann Arbor, passed away on November 6, 2016 with family by his side. He was born September 4, 1935 in Ecorse, Michigan to Joseph and Mary Martin. He grew up in Wyandotte and Southgate graduating from Our Lady of Mount Carmel (1953), Purdue University (1957) and The University of Michigan-College of Engineering (1960). Al was a member of the Purdue Marching band and performed at the Indy 500. He was also a member of Tau Beta Pi fraternity. A chemical engineer, he spent several years working for KMS Fusion as a Technical Manager working on fusion research, under government contract with the Department of Energy. While at KMS Fusion, he was co-inventor on 3 patents: Method and apparatus for making uniform pellets for fusion reactors, Method for obtaining carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and for production of fuels and Radiolytic-chemical method for production of gases. Post KMS Fusion employment, included consulting work for ThermaCell Technologies, Inc. ,where he obtained a fourth patent for Insulation microspheres and method of manufacture, and tutoring at Washtenaw Community College, specializing in math and science, where he had many students who specifically requested to work with him.

Al was known to be a kind, gentle, brilliant, patient and caring man with a keen sense of humor. Although hampered by the long term effects of diabetes and multiple strokes, Al maintained a pleasant, selfless and kind disposition toward everyone he met. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his wife, watching TV, listening to classical music, looking at the birds outside the dining room window and playing Sudoku.

Al is survived by Nancy, his wife of 32 years; his sons Andrew (Kimberly), Anthony (Nada), daughter Angela Mears (Todd); step-son Stephan Racz; grandchildren James Martin, Jacqueline Martin, Dante Martin, Davis Mears, Parker Mears and Cooper Mears; sister Marian Pichan; and several nieces and nephews. Al was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Robert.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to his incredible/compassionate caregivers, that he was with on a daily basis, for the last several years: LaCinda Mickens, Brittany Gronefeld, Jessica Dotson and Debra Davis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org) or the University of Michigan's Diabetes Research Center (http://diabetesresearch.med.umich.edu/About_Gift.php) (check payable to The Regents of the University of Michigan).