Ware, Martin A. Joy of Ware passed peacefully on Monday, December 11, 2017. Marty was born in Holyoke, the son of William and Gertrude (Davis) Joy. Marty graduated from Amherst High School and the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass. After graduation, Marty spent time building golf courses before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Upon leaving the corps, Marty was employed for 30 years as a lineman for ATT. Marty’s first time on hooks, he fell 40 feet from the top of a pole. When his supervisor asked how he got down so fast, he replied, “How the hell do you think? I fell!!” He never fell again! Upon retiring from ATT, Marty spent two years bartending full time for his dear friend Chick Delano at Delano’s restaurant in Amherst. Marty was then employed by Valley Transporter for 18 years, where he made many friends of fellow employees and customers alike who would often specifically request him to be their driver.

Marty is survived by his wife of 28 years, Shannon (Whittemore) Joy, his two sisters, Susan and Jim Holland and Martha and Rob Burke all of Virginia, and his brother Peter and Bobbie Joy of Hadley. Marty was predeceased by his brothers William Joy of Nebraska and Paul Joy of Virginia. Marty also leaves many dear nieces and nephews. It was never a party until Uncle Marty showed up. He also leaves a daughter, Kristy, and two grandsons, Sean and Noah, of CT.

Marty loved his Red Sox, Patriots, horse racing, playing cards, and anything else he could place a wager on. He would often go to extremes to win a bet and usually did.

Marty’s funeral and burial are private. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to any USMC service related organization, or animal rescue organization, or perform a random act of kindness.

Marty was one of the nicest, kind, loving, and giving men you could ever hope to meet.