Martin Holleran

Martin Holleran, age 84, died peacefully surrounded by his family at Hospicare in Ithaca, NY, on January 13, 2026.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Loretta (O’Toole) Holleran; his brother, Thomas Holleran; his sisters, Loretta Campbell and Betty Grubb; his son-in-law, Ian Lemaiyan; and his great-granddaughter, Willow Holleran.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 40 years, Martha (Huff) Holleran, his former wife, Janet (Schmelz) Eynon, and his eight children: Allison (TJ) Wollen; Chris (Kim) Holleran; Denise (John) Gyllenhammer; John Holleran; Bethann (Steve) Rodgers; Andrea (Matt) Yagle; Melanie (Ryan) Ciotoli; and Stephanie Lemaiyan. He was a devoted grandfather to his sixteen grandchildren: Conner (Jena) Gyllenhammer; Madison Wollen; Annie Rodgers; Riley Gyllenhammer; Megan Holleran; Ty Wollen; Shane Campbell; Tommy (Leah) Rodgers; John Jr. Holleran; Bailey Gyllenhammer; Maya Wollen; Anthony Ciotoli; Mia Ciotoli; Nora Yagle; Lydia Yagle; and Louis Lemaiyan; and a proud great-grandfather to Oaklynn Stafford and Kienna Holleran, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Raised in Brooklyn, NY, Marty was the youngest of four children and the first in his family to attend college. He earned a mechanical engineering degree from Lamar Institute of Technology, TX, and spent more than 30 years leading Procurement at IBM Federal Systems in Owego, NY. After retiring, he consulted for companies around the world.

Marty cherished family above all else. He believed that time together—working, playing, learning, and praying—was the foundation of a strong family. He coached youth sports, taught his children and grandchildren to golf, ski, fish, and compete fairly, and believed deeply in confidence, discipline, and good sportsmanship. One of his favorite sayings was, “If you think you can, you can.” He lived by the belief that hard work opens doors and that wanting something meant being willing to work hard for it.

Faith guided Marty’s life. Sunday church was non-negotiable, whether at home or on vacation, and family breakfasts afterward were treasured traditions. His love of God shaped his values, his parenting, and his passion for giving back.

Marty instilled a strong work ethic in his children. Weekends often meant family projects, teaching practical skills, responsibility, and pride in doing things well. A natural perfectionist, he poured patience and creativity into his passions—wood carving, model train villages, poetry, gardening, and investing. He took great joy in creating handmade wood carvings and special rocking horses and chairs for his grandchildren that will be cherished for generations.

An athlete at heart, Marty loved golf and skiing and shared both passions with his family. He also loved to travel with Martha, exploring the U.S. and the world, always returning home with stories, gifts, and memories. No matter where he went, family remained at the center of everything.

Marty believed in honesty, fairness, and courage—standing up for what is right, saying you’re sorry, and trusting in God. Above all, he believed in loving family, and never missing the chance to say “I love you.” He will be dearly missed, but his legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren… “and until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand”.

Funeral Services will be held 10 am, Saturday, January 24 at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 731 Hooper Road, Endwell. Entombment will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endicott. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511–5 13 East Main Street, Endicott Friday, January 23 from 2 to 5 pm.