Phoenix – Lucio Martin, a longtime resident of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 of natural causes.
Lucio was born on September 10, 1934 in Pieria, Italy. At the age of 2, his mother, father, and three brothers immigrated to the US, where they settled in Pittsburgh, PA.
Lucio graduated from Westinghouse High School, earning a football scholarship to Thiel College. At Thiel College he co-captained the football team and was president of his fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi. In 1957 he was drafted in the US Army and spent the majority of his 2-year service term in Europe. After completing his military service, he earned a master’s degree from Duquesne University, keen on a career in education.
Following a brief period teaching and coaching at a high school in Ohio, Lucio moved to Phoenix in 1961, in search of a warmer climate. He started out at Phoenix Union High School as a counselor and coach, and, more importantly, met his wife, Roberta. Lucio served as Guidance Counselor at Camelback High School for 30 years, until he retired in 1995. As the head counselor, Lucio was a role model and mentor to countless students through the years. It was his passion to build relationships and help students navigate high school, as well as encourage them to seek the path to higher education. The Camelback community was important to Lucio, and he was deeply committed to being a positive influence, precisely the way many of his former students remember him to this day.
Lucio will be fondly remembered for his strong ties to and love for his family, or “La Famiglia.” Lucio was notorious for his outgoing and curious nature and was inquisitive in an effort to understand others as well as possible. As a lifelong sports enthusiast, Lucio spent decades playing handball and golf with colleagues and friends. Lucio had a keen sense of humor, a resounding laugh, a penchant for singing crooner songs, and an unwavering dedication to his family.
Lucio leaves behind his wife, Roberta Duke Martin, of 56 years; his five children Jer Reser of Phoenix, Arizona; Tom McFarland of Corona, California; Judy Nelson (Michael) of Simi Valley, California; Michael Martin (Larissa) of Cary, North Carolina, and Nancy Wujek (Brett) of Cary, North Carolina. He was a proud Papa to 6 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren.
No services are planned, per Lucio’s request. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Claudia See
My prayers and condolences to all the family. So sad to hear of Lucio’s passing. Love you all.
Claudia See
Renee Yuhas Foley
Our prayers are with you Aunt Bert and all of your loving family as you experience this loss. I will remember Uncle Luc for his humor and special way of making everyone feel significant in his presence. He brought light heartedness in difficult circumstances and you knew you were listening to someone who was quite special when he spoke. May the Lord be your comfort in the days ahead.
Gwineth Mills Yeager
My deepest condolences for you all at this time he was a special person who enjoyed people and life. Such good memories you have. Cherish them.
Gregg See
Always enjoyed being around him. Have found memories. Our thoughts are with all of the family.
I’m
Beverly Alberson
Our condolences to the family. My fondest memories of Lucio are of him at Nancy and Brett’s wedding. He had so much fun. Blessings to you all as you gather to remember him.
David Martin
My thoughts and prayers to the Martin Family. Uncle Luc was one of a kind. He had a special way of connecting with people. As a child my friends would actually call him “Uncle Luc “ too. We all need encouragers in this life, and he was my Barnabas. Bringing Aunt Bert into our family was his greatest move of all!
Larry Carter
Uncle Lucio, What a Guy! What a Great Guy!!
When you chatted with him he was totally engaged with you whatever the subject matter- He wanted to hear your story & learn about it – very inquisitive. Always smiling at every greeting with open arms. My love for handball was born by his enthusiastic love of the game, a great sport, indeed.
May you rest in peace & your family blessed forever & ever, amen. We love you.
Blair Verner
He was the guidance counselor at Camelback that I wish I had. I used to go talk to him as he was so encouraging. My deepest sympathies to his family and all who loved him.
Stacey Luster Demland
To Roberta and the Martin family, I am so sorry to hear of Lucio’s passing. Words can’t express the sadness I feel, he was such a wonderful and caring man. He saw me though so many good and bad times as a teenager at Camelback as my counselor. Our families had some great holiday memories as well. May God be with you all at this time of sorrow, knowing that his is with the angels. As well as my mom, dad, Aunt Eve and Uncle Nob.
Jacquelyn Bown
Roberta,
My deepest condolences for you and your family. I will always smile when I remember Lucio. You and he made me feel so welcome to Camelback when I joined the staff. Lucio and his friends made Camelback a great place to teach.
Jackie Bown
Doug Ullrich
Mr. Martin was the nicest person at Camelback High School, without question. He was counselor for 4 years and sometimes I would stop by to chat with him without actually needing anything – just to say “Hi” and chat. I graduated more than 40 years ago, but I remember him fondly.
What a wonderful human being! Condolences to the Martin family and the Camelback family.
Kari Lynn (Wujek) Auld
We’re so very sorry for Lucio’s passing, and we are praying for all of you at this very difficult time. I will always remember Lucio singing “Nancy With the Smiling Face” at Nancy & Brett’s wedding reception Oct 1995. Heaven gained an amazing angel. With our love & prayers, Kari Lynn (Wujek), Todd, Kate, Margie, Grace & Emily Auld
charles milo
To Roberta and family:
What can I say that hasn’t been said. As you know so well, Lucio was such a big part of my younger years in Phoenix. He was my dad’s best buddy. I saw him almost weekly in the sixties either at P.U., on the golf course, at my home, or on the handball courts at Alhambra. I remember he and my dad engaging in lively discussions about every subject and the laughter and camaraderie they shared with the rest of the coaching fraternity. Every time I saw him after I had grown, he would bear hug me and exclaim, “The sniffer!” He and my dad gave me that moniker on the golf course when a twelve year old would beat them and they resorted to teasing me about anything and everything. I’d walk behind the group of these big guys sniffling. As we parted, he’d shout, “One point, one time.” And we’d throw fingers and yell in Italian as we played moora. If he won, he’d yell and laugh and walk away, and if I won, he’d say, “One more point!”
He was a unique and wonderful person with a zest for life that was infectious. We need more like him. The handball courts in heaven are full now with Lucio, Chuck Milo, Willard Nobley, Gil Trejo and many others who have gone on. The one thing I’m sure about is that Lucio lived and truly ‘sucked the marrow out of life.’
Julie Skrzypek
Dear Roberta and family,
Lucio was a kind, caring, and humorous man. He helped me a great deal while I was a teacher, and the way he counseled students with firm compassion influenced me when I became a counselor. I loved the hilarious “schtick” that Lucio, Alkegretti (Dick), and Charles Garcia performed at the end-of-the year luncheon! Roberta and Nancy, I hope you know I’d give you a big hug if I saw you.
With sympathy, great memories, and love,
Julie
Deeann Black
Roberta and All…so sad to hear about Lucio, a truly special spirit has left the world. Sending you love from the Eastin Families and Black Family. DeeAnn Black
Corinne Smith
Dear Roberta, Mike, Nancy and Families,
We have many fond memories of watching Camelback Volleyball games with Lucio.
He was a very special man and made a difference in so many students’ lives.
With our sincere sympathy ,
Art and Corinne
Harold and JoAnn McFarland and Peggy Schlief
Roberta and Family
So truly sorry to hear of your families loss, we just want you to all know that we are thinking of you at this time and wish we could give you all a big hug.
Love to you all,
Harold and JoAnn McFarland and Peggy Schlief
Elena Capellari
Dear Roberta and Family,
We are saddened upon the news of your loss and we deeply share your grief.
We fondly rembember your family as a special one and we will always think of Lucio as a kind and lovable person.
Elena and family
Marianna bova
Our deepest condolences from our family to yours.
Ana & Gustavo Assis
Our sincere condolences. Sentimos muito, Michael
Alexandre
Michael our condolences for this irreparable loss
Andrew V Clouser
My family’s condolence for your loss. I remember Coach Martin as a great coach and counselor.
Andrew Clouser, PUHS ’66
Judy & Mike
We Love You Lucio, Papa, Dad! Thanks for all you’ve given us, especially your love and your wonderful approach to life. You’ve been a fabulous example of what a “fine human being should and could be”. Thanks for teaching us to leave the wood pile higher and some new descriptive words for the golf course. And thanks for being you! RIP
❤️
Susan Klein Chalmers (Camelback '78)
Mr. Martin was my high school counselor at Camelback and had such a huge impact on my life. At the end of my freshman year, my parents informed me that I would be transferring to Xavier High School for the rest of my high school years. I had a very successful freshman year but my parents had been raised and believed that their children should be raised in parochial schools. I started at Xavier, but with the amazing help of Mr. Martin and Sr. Joan at Xavier, my parents grew to realize that Camelback was the best place for me and I transferred back to Camelback! I had an excellent high school education and experience there. He was the BEST and I am forever grateful. You, his family and friends, were truly blessed by this wonderful, caring man. Rest in peace, Mr. Martin.
Lee and Gaby Conner
Roberta and Family, We just learned of Lucio passing, and we wanted to express our sympathy for your great loss.
We hope you will find support for each other in your familia. Warm memories of times when we were together.
Love, Gaby and Lee
Sandra Rennard
To the entire Martin family – Lucio was indeed a bright light! I loved him from the first moment we met and never stopped admiring him. He was such a wonderful father and family man, with natural Italian passion and devotion! I greatly appreciated the short time he shared his entire family with mine. Thinking of all of you now. I know you will keep his light shining bright by telling stories and sharing your memories. Sharing in your sorrow from a distance (and a bit delayed). With love, Sandra
Jay Edelson
Roberta, Mike, and Nancy,
I just learned of Lucio’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to the family. I loved Lou. He was so welcoming to me when I started at Camelback always making me feel like I was part of the family. I truly enjoyed talking with both him and Dick in the counseling office, Hanging out in the press box during the football games. Watching and listening to him and the gang playing handball while running Cross Country or Track practice. Such a hoot. The ski trips and how welcoming they were with my young son Ryan. Lou was such a great person and greatly missed. I can’t help but remember the joy he brought and how sad I was when he retired and even sadder knowing he is now gone. Sending all my best to the family.
Jay Edelson