Loving Husband, Father and Papa

Jeremias "Jerry" Martins, age 66, of Twinsburg passed away Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at Cleveland Clinic Hospital. He was surrounded by loving family. Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie (Porter) Martins; daughters Kristen Martins-Taylor (Jared Taylor) and Melissa Gutschmidt; and granddaughters Madelyn and Avery Taylor, and Ara Gutschmidt.

Born in Waterbury, Connecticut on May 11, 1952, Jerry is the son of late Anthony and Josephine Martins. He graduated from Wolcott High School, where he met the love of his life, Debbie. Jerry went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Haven. Working as a mechanical and systems engineer, he developed an abundance of patents and award-winning products for companies including O-Z/Gedney; Adalet, A Scott Fetzer Company; STERIS Corporation; Akron Electric Inc; Energy Focus Inc; and GE/GE Lighting. He completed his career with TCP Lighting upon passing. Jerry also held a professional engineer license and was a certified lighting consultant.

At the time of death, Jerry was battling advanced Stage IV Colon Cancer following a 2017 diagnosis – though even that couldn't convince him to retire. He found great joy and fulfillment in his career. He was a tinkerer by nature and always enjoying building new systems, both at work and home.

Of all of his accomplishments, the one he was most proud of was his family. A devoted family man, he married Debbie in September of 1976, later having two daughters. Early on, they enjoyed vacations along the Atlantic coast, camping, fishing and making memories with his "girls." Later in life, he loved to travel and embark on (sometimes crazy) adventures with Debbie in destinations including the Caribbean, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Vancouver, Alaska and Ireland. Most recently, they were planning a tour of Italy and Portugal. Jerry enjoyed hobbies including salt-water tanks, bicycle rides and NASCAR races. He loved his role as "papa," often found inventing with Maddie, playing dress up with Avery and learning how to be a ballerina with Ara.