Anthony A. Martin

Anthony Adolphus Donovan Martin was born on May 24, 1939, in Georgetown, Guyana, and was called home on February 22, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander (Bertie) Martin and Ruby Martin (née Pollard), his brother Christopher Martin, his sister Claire Combs, and his beloved grandson Leyland Gay.

Anthony is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Ruth Harry Martin (née Lalljee); his son, David Martin, and daughter-in-law, Tessa; his stepchildren Deborah Harry, Robin Harry, and Ramona Harry Robinson (husband Al); and his cherished grandchildren Nadia Hampton (husband Mike), Marika Walker, Thair Walker, Mahzi Martin, and Sarah Langer. He was a proud great-grandfather to Neptune Walker, Iroh Clarke-Walker, and Kida Clarke-Walker.

He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Anita Martin; brother-in-law Sam Combs; nephews Deryck and Michael Martin; nieces, Kirsten Hotchkiss and Kari Maltz; great-nephews Alexander Martin and Isaiah Martin; great-nieces Victoria Llanos and Chloe Llanos; great-grandnephew Alexander Llanos; cousin Aubrey Williams; and many dear friends including Bob Fingal, Audrey Pereira, and Jim and Olivia Holz who became family.

Lovingly known to all as Tony, he attended St. Stanislaus College in Guyana before immigrating to the United States to pursue his education at Howard University in Washington, D.C. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1966 and went on to become a licensed Professional Engineer in both Virginia and Maryland.

Tony dedicated his career to public service, joining Fairfax County Public Schools in 1974, where he served as Director of Energy Management Services until his retirement in 2002. He was proud to be the first minority engineer hired by the county. A lifelong learner and natural problem-solver, Tony approached life with curiosity, diligence, and the practical mindset of an engineer, always researching, planning, and preparing “just in case.”

Over the years, Tony and Ruth made their home in Maryland, Florida, and Virginia, always centering their lives around family. Their homes were gathering places filled with warmth, laughter, and hospitality.

Tony was affectionately known as the family’s “gadget man,” able to fix or improve just about anything. He enjoyed golf and was an exceptional cook whose ribs, breads, cakes, homemade ice cream, and even home-brewed beer delighted family and friends. Holidays at Tony and Ruth’s were legendary feasts. In Florida, he took special pride in keeping the pool ready for visits from children and grandchildren.

He found joy in life’s simple pleasures, the casino, a good Philly cheesesteak, a half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl, pepperoni, a cold ginger beer or Coke, and, until the very end, a strawberry shake that never failed to bring a smile to his face.

Though accomplished and respected in his field, Tony preferred to remain quietly in the background. His greatest priority was ensuring Ruth’s happiness and well-being. He loved selflessly and lived with kindness, generosity, quiet strength, and a steadfast spirit.

Tony is deeply loved, greatly missed, and fondly remembered. Until we meet again, may he rest in eternal peace.