Martin Francis Farricker Sr. passed away peacefully on July 2nd, 2023 in Yardley, PA of natural causes at the age of 89. Martin was born on August 15th, 1933 in his family home at 514 W. 44th Street, in New York City's Hell's Kitchen during the Great Depression. Of Irish descent, he was the fifth child of seven born to Thomas Sr. and Mary Ellen (Smith) Farricker.

When his family moved to 102nd Street on Manhattan's Upper West Side, Martin was an altar boy and choir boy at the Church of the Ascension. He attended Holy Name of Jesus Elementary School, practiced by Christian Brothers. Martin's artistic ability was recognized early by his art teacher Mrs. Camida, who encouraged him toward his prolific art career.

When Martin was four years old, he was welcomed by Nora and Earl Jones to spend the summer at their farm in Gordonville, PA, in the heart of Amish Country, through the Fresh Air Fund. Of Mennonite religion and childless, they grew to love Martin and he was asked to join them in their home each summer for many years. It was here that he gained a deep appreciation of nature. This experience also instilled his strong work ethic at an early age, as he took on his first jobs selling newspapers, shining shoes, and working in a produce store when back in the city. As an adult he and Carole returned each summer to the Amish Country for many years to go camping with their children and grandchildren at "The Little House in the Woods".

An accomplished Boy Scout, at age 15 he had the opportunity to travel the country for a summer, where his mind was opened to the wonders of America. Martin also earned recognition for his artwork and athletic achievements while attending Rice High School in New York City, where he was a member of the basketball and track & field teams.

Coming from a proud family of military service, he joined the New York National Guard at age 17 and transferred to the U.S. Army at age 18. He completed Basic Training at Fort Dix, NJ and volunteered for the Airborne, Upon acceptance he earned his Airborne Wings at Fort Benning, GA . He served in active combat in the Korean War as a member of the elite 10th Special Forces Unit as a Paratrooper – a unit that would become known as The Green Berets. After the war, Martin continued to serve in Japan and was honorably discharged at age 21 in April 1955 after three years of overseas duty.

When he returned home, Martin attended the American Art School and School of Visual Arts in NYC where he studied under noteworthy artists such as Raphael Soyer, residing in a studio apartment on 9th Street in the creative bastion of Greenwich Village. It was here that his artistic talents blossomed.

Martin married the love of his life Carole Louise Dwyer on April 26th, 1958 at St. Teresa's Church in Brooklyn, with sister Ann as matron of honor and her husband Peter Youngswoth as best man. They wed after three months of courtship, when she was just 21 and he was 24. They lived in small apartments in Weehawken and West New York, NJ and Carole gave birth to their first son Martin Jr. They later moved to the home where they raised their family at 66 Willry Street in Woodbridge and welcomed son Kenneth and daughter Kerry.

Martin had a successful career in advertising as Art Director and Agency Manager for leading agencies on NYC's Madison Avenue, serving accounts such as Sylvania, CBS Broadcasting, and Sperry Rand. He later owned advertising businesses, including M&J Art Studio and Martin Farricker Advertising, located in the Newsweek Building at 444 Madison Avenue. To spend more time with his family, Martin eventually moved his business to NJ until his final stint as Creative Director for Allison Corporation in Livingston, NJ, where he worked for 15 years.

Martin was a member of the American Irish Association of Woodbridge, NJ as an officer and Sergeant at Arms, serving as chairman of many committees. He was a founder and member of the "Irish Rebels", a singing group, specializing in Irish songs.

Martin was a lifetime member of the Woodbridge Elks Lodge #2116, where he chaired the Youth Activities Committee, the Veterans Service Committee, and the Handicapped Children's Committee. Through the Elks, he also worked with the "Make A Wish" Foundation. He was the Elks' official press secretary and photographer. Martin was honored to be the recipient of many awards, including "Elk of the Year" in 2000-2001 when he was also recognized by the Governor of NJ for his distinguished military and community service. As a token of appreciation to the Elks' outgoing Exalted Rulers, Martin presented each of them with a portrait he personally executed. He also painted other state dignitaries, including the Governor and Mayor of Woodbridge John McCormac.

Martin was a communicant of Saint James Catholic Church in Woodbridge, NJ where he and his family lived for 40 years making countless friends who are still held dear today. He and Carole spent their retirement years at the Jersey Shore, where Martin continued to create art and engage in community service.

Martin was active in military organizations, including The American Legion, VFW, the 82nd Airborne Assoc., International Assoc. of Paratroopers, and Korean War Veterans Assoc of which he was NJ State Treasurer and Secretary for Chapter #53. He raised money to help build the National Korean War Monument in Washington, DC and the State Korean War Monument in Atlantic City. Martin co-led the KWVA Annual Fund Drive, benefiting veterans in the Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home. He also raised money for disabled soldiers of the Vietnam War to help build their National and State Memorials.

An avid New York sports fan, Martin attended many games with his family, including the last game ever played at the original Yankee Stadium with his sons Martin Jr. and Kenneth in 1973.

Martin's greatest joy, however, was spending time at home with his beloved wife and children and being "Poppy" to his grandchildren. He loved telling stories of his many adventures and teaching them the skills he learned during his extraordinary lifetime. Martin's immeasurable impact on their lives will never be forgotten.

Martin is survived by his son Martin Jr. and wife Victoria of Skillman, NJ; his son Kenneth Sr. and wife Barbara of Chatham, NJ; and his daughter Kerry Farricker and partner Andrew Mackanich of Washington Crossing, PA; and nine grandchildren, Sarah, Emily, Martin, Lisa, Mary, Kenneth Jr., Katherine, Heather, and Paige.

Martin was predeceased by his beloved wife Carole Farricker and his six siblings, Thomas Farricker Jr., Mary Farricker-Warren, Edward Patrick Farricker, Ann Farricker-Youngsworth, Daniel Farricker, and Agnes Farricker-Gibney.

Visitation for family and friends will be 4-8 p.m. on Monday, July 10th at Costello-Greiner Funeral Home, 44 Green St. at Barron Ave. in Woodbridge. A funeral liturgy will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 11th at Saint James Catholic Church, Woodbridge. Interment will follow at 11:30 a.m. in Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, PA, followed by a repast to be announced at the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fresh Air Fund ( https://www.freshair.org/ ).