Charles Martin Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Stephen C. Gregory and Son Cremation Service on Mar. 14, 2026.
Charles V. "Chuck" Martin, 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at the McClure Miller respite house in Colchester with his youngest sister lovingly by his side. His departure marked the close of a long, generous and selfless life, lived with devotion and strength.
Born in 1932, in Burlington, to Helen and Francis Martin, Chuck was the third of eight children. He graduated from Burlington High School where he distinguished himself as three-sport athlete, excelling in baseball, football, and basketball. He was a natural competitor, with discipline and heart.
After High School, Chuck spent four years in the US Air Force, climbing to the rank of Staff Seargent, and following his active military duty, he also completed several years in the Air National Guard and in the Marine Corp Reserves. Chuck then continued both his education and his athletic legacy, receiving his Bachelor of Science from Johnson State College where he played basketball and soccer, and a Masters degree from Syracuse University. He also attended both St. Michaels and Villenova for additional coursework.
Beginning in 1962, and for the next 25 years, Chuck poured his heart and soul into Middlebury Junior/Senior High School as a math and science teacher, seventh grade advisor, and coach, shaping generations of students with his steady presence. He had a gift for turning curiosity into confidence and for helping young people see the world a little more clearly. He believed, and taught others, that learning was a lifelong responsibility.
On the athletic front, Chuck served many years as Head Coach of the baseball team, and Assistant Coach for the football and basketball programs. His players fondly remember him for his dedication, drive, direction, and his famously "not-so-quiet" encouragement. In 2019, he was inducted into the Middlebury High School Hall of Fame – a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much of himself to the MUHS Tigers.
Retirement from teaching did little to slow Chuck down. He soon found himself drawn back into the sports community at Middlebury College, dedicating many more as an Equipment Manager. He loved being around the athletes – swapping stories, offering guidance, and chatting about statistics, he never forgot a name, a family, or a face, and he took immense pride in the work he did with the teams.
Chuck never married but lived a life rich in connection. In his younger years, when he wasn't teaching or coaching, he enjoyed retreating to his rustic cabin in the woods of Ripton, living very simply and contentedly. He loved keeping his property neat, chopping and stacking wood, and was especially fond of mowing his several acres of grass. Without a phone, he relied on the Ripton Store to take messages for him when needed. He was always the last one to arrive at family functions, but swept in with a grin, carrying surprises for each of his twenty-one nieces and nephews.
In the later-1980's, Chuck found a true partner in Gail Jette, a fellow MUHS teacher and coach. Together they shared more than thirty years of companionship, laughter, and deep affection. One of the greatest joys of Chuck's life was becoming "Gump" to Gail's five grandchildren, Quinn, James, Willem, Zach and Sadie, who absolutely adored spending time with him.
Chuck is lovingly remembered by two of his siblings, Mary Usher of Middletown, DE, and Colleen Steen of Fairfax, Gail's children, Peter Jette and his wife Victoria of Middlebury, and Brooke Jette also of Middlebury, as well as their children, and many nieces and nephews who cherished his presence in their lives. He was predeceased by his beloved Gail in 2020, by his parents, and by his siblings, Francis "Pepper" Martin of Barton, Patricia Laskowski of Milton, John "Jake" Martin of Bakersfield, James Martin of Georgia, and Robert Martin of Enosburg.
Over 93 years, Chuck touched countless lives with his generosity, humor, and unwavering commitment to others, and leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and the kind of quiet heroism that endures in the memories of those fortunate enough to have known him.
By Chuck's request, there will be no memorial service, but his family warmly welcomes any memories or reflections shared in the guest book, knowing he would have treasured each one.
Born in 1932, in Burlington, to Helen and Francis Martin, Chuck was the third of eight children. He graduated from Burlington High School where he distinguished himself as three-sport athlete, excelling in baseball, football, and basketball. He was a natural competitor, with discipline and heart.
After High School, Chuck spent four years in the US Air Force, climbing to the rank of Staff Seargent, and following his active military duty, he also completed several years in the Air National Guard and in the Marine Corp Reserves. Chuck then continued both his education and his athletic legacy, receiving his Bachelor of Science from Johnson State College where he played basketball and soccer, and a Masters degree from Syracuse University. He also attended both St. Michaels and Villenova for additional coursework.
Beginning in 1962, and for the next 25 years, Chuck poured his heart and soul into Middlebury Junior/Senior High School as a math and science teacher, seventh grade advisor, and coach, shaping generations of students with his steady presence. He had a gift for turning curiosity into confidence and for helping young people see the world a little more clearly. He believed, and taught others, that learning was a lifelong responsibility.
On the athletic front, Chuck served many years as Head Coach of the baseball team, and Assistant Coach for the football and basketball programs. His players fondly remember him for his dedication, drive, direction, and his famously "not-so-quiet" encouragement. In 2019, he was inducted into the Middlebury High School Hall of Fame – a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much of himself to the MUHS Tigers.
Retirement from teaching did little to slow Chuck down. He soon found himself drawn back into the sports community at Middlebury College, dedicating many more as an Equipment Manager. He loved being around the athletes – swapping stories, offering guidance, and chatting about statistics, he never forgot a name, a family, or a face, and he took immense pride in the work he did with the teams.
Chuck never married but lived a life rich in connection. In his younger years, when he wasn't teaching or coaching, he enjoyed retreating to his rustic cabin in the woods of Ripton, living very simply and contentedly. He loved keeping his property neat, chopping and stacking wood, and was especially fond of mowing his several acres of grass. Without a phone, he relied on the Ripton Store to take messages for him when needed. He was always the last one to arrive at family functions, but swept in with a grin, carrying surprises for each of his twenty-one nieces and nephews.
In the later-1980's, Chuck found a true partner in Gail Jette, a fellow MUHS teacher and coach. Together they shared more than thirty years of companionship, laughter, and deep affection. One of the greatest joys of Chuck's life was becoming "Gump" to Gail's five grandchildren, Quinn, James, Willem, Zach and Sadie, who absolutely adored spending time with him.
Chuck is lovingly remembered by two of his siblings, Mary Usher of Middletown, DE, and Colleen Steen of Fairfax, Gail's children, Peter Jette and his wife Victoria of Middlebury, and Brooke Jette also of Middlebury, as well as their children, and many nieces and nephews who cherished his presence in their lives. He was predeceased by his beloved Gail in 2020, by his parents, and by his siblings, Francis "Pepper" Martin of Barton, Patricia Laskowski of Milton, John "Jake" Martin of Bakersfield, James Martin of Georgia, and Robert Martin of Enosburg.
Over 93 years, Chuck touched countless lives with his generosity, humor, and unwavering commitment to others, and leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and the kind of quiet heroism that endures in the memories of those fortunate enough to have known him.
By Chuck's request, there will be no memorial service, but his family warmly welcomes any memories or reflections shared in the guest book, knowing he would have treasured each one.
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