Obituary of Martin G. Trahan

Martin “Marty” Trahan, a retired Somerville Firefighter, passed away on Tuesday morning, June 13, 2023, at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He was 64 years old. Marty was born in Boston, the son of Robert and Eileen Trahan. He grew up in Somerville and was a 1977 graduate of Matignon High School. He furthered his education by earning his bachelor’s degree at Bridgewater State College. He joined the Somerville Fire Department in 1984 and worked until 2008 when cancer forced his early retirement in 2009. During those years he was stationed at Union Square and Teele Square Fire Stations serving on Engine 3 and Ladder 3. Those were great years for Marty. He enjoyed his career, but more so enjoyed the camaraderie shared with his fellow firefighters.One of his friends on the job introduced him to the trade of locksmithing. Eventually, he started Marty’s Lock Service and Rapid Lock Service serving clients all over the greater Boston area.

Marty’s life revolved around his family.  He met his wife, Nora, in grammar school. They reconnected after college and were married on June 16, 1984. They lived in Somerville for a number of years before purchasing a home in Burlington in 1992. They were a team who supported each other, cared for each other, and were devoted to each other. They did everything together. After Nora’s battle with cancer, they made a pact never to take life for granted and to travel once a year, which was often to a warm weather destination. As a father, he was all in.  He made sure to be there for his children their entire lives. He was their basketball, baseball, soccer, and pop warner football coach.  He was their cheerleader, mentor, role model, and on call handyman. A devoted son to his parents and had a strong family bond with all of his siblings and their families, as well as his cousins. Houghs Neck in Quincy was part of the reason his family was so close. It was where Marty and his family summered as children and as adults.  They had their Trahan Compound.He loved sharing that special place with his children and later his grandchildren. The 3rd of July party was always packed with family and friends. Marty was an organizer and wanted everyone to be happy. The days were spent playing horseshoes, corn hole, hanging around the pool, floating in the ocean and many walks up to Nut Island. The evenings were spent having cookouts, sharing stories, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company sitting by the fire pit.

Marty loved his new role in life as “Papa”. He was so excited with each new addition to the family as his children married and his grandchildren were born. He was so much looking forward to welcoming his fifth grandchild, a granddaughter, due in September. Marty also enjoyed spending time with his many circles of friends. He loved his firefighter friends, Wilhelmina family, Rolls Royce/Salisbury Beach crew, summer friends, Bridgewater friends, friends of his children’s friends and parents, and numerous others. He worked to keep in touch with everyone. Marty thought of himself as a very simple and humble person. But to his family and friends, he was the glue that kept everyone together, made everyone feel valued and appreciated, and filled with kindness and love. He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Marty was the beloved husband of 39 years of Nora (Pickett) Trahan. He was the caring and loving father of Brian Trahan of Jacksonville, FL, Daniel Trahan and his wife Jessica of Burlington, Matthew Trahan of Woburn, and Katharine Boyle & her husband John of Wilmington. He was the proud “Papa” to Lilah, Benjamin, Allie, and William. He was the brother of Robert Trahan & his wife Karen of Somerville, Mary Trahan of Quincy, Eileen Trahan of Quincy, and Ann Keenan & her husband Paul of Boynton Beach, FL. He was a devoted friend to Joseph Farrell of Somerville. He was also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Monday, June 19 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 20 at 11 a.m. and will conclude with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, www.stveronicama.org, 111 Winn Street, Burlington at Noon.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Marty’s name may be made to Dana-Faber Cancer Institute, www.dana-farber.org/gift, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.

For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net