Sunday, July 19, 2026
When I think of Marty Lavelle, I don’t just think of the day we lost him—I think about the life he built and the example he set every single day.
Marty was the kind of man who made sure everyone around him was taken care of. His family always came first. Whether it was making sure the house was just right, checking that everyone had what they needed, or bringing people together for another meal, another laugh, or another celebration, he found joy in caring for others. He believed that the greatest measure of a life was the happiness and security of the people you loved.
What I admired most about Marty was that he never made those things feel like obligations. He did them because it was simply who he was. He had an incredible ability to make people laugh, to make everyone feel welcome, and to remind us that family wasn’t just something you belonged to—it was something you invested in every day. His love extended far beyond his immediate family to his brothers, sisters, cousins, and friends. He built a community around him because people genuinely wanted to be near him.
On a personal level, Marty changed my life more than he’ll ever know. I didn’t have the strongest father figure growing up, and without ever trying to, he showed me what a husband, father, and family man should look like. He led by example—with kindness, consistency, generosity, and unconditional love. He taught me that being a father isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about showing up every day, putting your family first, and making sure the people you love know they are loved.
One of the moments I’ll treasure forever was asking Marty and Jeanne for permission to marry Claire. Without hesitation, he smiled and said, “yes of course—you make her so happy.” Hearing those words from a man I respected so deeply meant more than I can ever express. His confidence in me was a gift, and it’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
It’s hard to accept that someone so full of life could simply have one bad day, and that day would be his last. It reminds us how precious and fragile life truly is. But while Marty may no longer be with us, the lessons he taught, the family he nurtured, and the love he gave so freely will continue through all of us.
Marty leaves behind far more than memories. He leaves behind a standard of how to live—with humility, with generosity, with laughter, and with unwavering devotion to family. I know I am a better husband, a better future father, and a better man because I had the privilege of knowing him.
Thank you, Marty, for welcoming me into your family, for believing in me, and for showing me what it means to love without reservation. Your legacy lives on in Claire, in Jeanne, in every member of the Lavelle family, and in everyone fortunate enough to have known you.
You will be deeply missed, but you will never be forgotten.
