Hornell, New York
Martin Carl “Marty” Christensen – 89 – of 119 Thacher Street, Hornell, passed away Sunday afternoon (March 31, 2024) at his home, surrounded by his loving family, following a long illness.
Born in Hornell on May 31, 1934, he was the son of the late Carl Martin & Catherine (Campfield) Christensen.
Marty was a lifelong Hornell resident and graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1953).
After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country from 1953 to 1957 during the Korean Conflict. Upon his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Marty attended Alfred University. In 1958 he was employed by the New York State DOT and retired in 1991 as a Civil Engineer I in the Traffic & Safety Group. Upon retirement Marty enjoyed volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.
Marty was a member of the Chemung Valley Region Antique Car Club for more than 30 years. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 440 in Hornell. Marty always enjoyed working with wood, often building furniture, carving figures and completing countless house remodeling projects over the years. He loved to fish, build model trains and meet for coffee monthly with his retired friends. He had a special love of riding the back roads of Steuben County looking for deer and he was an avid Yankees and Bills fan.
On November 23, 1957, Marty was married at St. Ann’s Church to the former Suzanne Glynn who survives. Also surviving are his children, Joan (Dan) McAllister of Hornell, Karen (Ernest) Eichensehr of Bath, Diane (Larry) Amidon of Hartsville, and Carl (Julie) Christensen of Kendall, NY; his cousins, David (Sharon) Campfield of Lockport, NY, Arthur (Gayle) Krause of Narrowsburg, NY, Verna Krause of Narrowsburg, NY; several special sister and brother in laws; many nieces and nephews; fourteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his uncle and aunt, Arthur and Phyllis Campfield and aunt and uncle Viola and Arthur Krause, his cousin Arthur W. Krause and infant sons Kenneth and Edward Christensen.
Marty’s family would like to thank the Tender Loving In-Home Care Agency, and especially Dani Jo Zschoche, for the outstanding care they provided for our husband/father over the last several months.
Martin’s family will receive friends on Friday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY. A Funeral Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Please join the family at the Main Place for a luncheon following the service.
In lieu of flowers, Marty’s family requests that memorial contributions be made in his name to Habitat for Humanity or the Hornell Alumni Association. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
In recognition of Marty’s service to his country as a member of the US Navy, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.
I had the pleasure of knowing Marty for many years, my dear friend Mike Fucci introduced us . I always enjoyed my conversations with Marty. He was a man that cares deeply for this community and doing things right. Appreciated his candor and good advice. Rest in Peace my friend. My deepest condolences to your family.
Suzanne and Family, I hadn’t seen Marty since his retirement but had coffee at Schu’s before work for several years with him. I was privileged to have a tour of his wood working shop at his home and was amazed at all the tools he was expert at. He was always so proud of his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. RIP Marty !
Karen & Family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your father. May his love and guidance forever be a part of your lives. Thinking of you during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.