Our good friend, Martin (the limo driver), died suddenly this past Wednesday. Although not an actual co-worker of Kenny's or an employee of the NY Hilton he has been, for the past 20+ years, a constant presence at the hotel ready to offer his car service, with a smile, to anyone in need. The NY Hilton for me and anyone who knew Martin knows it will not be the same without him.
Martin was a good friend and has been there with us for so many of our special occasions. He was the driver for Kenny's bachelor party ride out to Atlantic City. He was our limo driver for our wedding and made sure that as I walked from his limo into the church that I didn't get wet as it POURED rain on our wedding day. On our first wedding anniversary we went to a Broadway show and Martin picked us up in his limo afterwards and gave us a tour of all lower Manhattan and stopped with us at Venero's for tiramisu and cappuccinos. Another time Lauren, Alison, Gabrielle and myself were going to the Broadway show, The Lion King, and Martin surprised us and drove us to the theater in his limo. He pulled right up to the front of the theater, got out, went around and opened the door for us, he made us feel like celebrities. I could share many stories like these about Martin and his generosity and his willingness to make a memory even more special and how he was always willing to do anything for Kenny or any one of his friends without hesitation.
Another thing I would want people to know about Martin is how much he was loved and cared about by so many people, especially by the many employees of the NY Hilton and their families and all the limo drivers in and around the NY Hilton.
Another thing I would want people to know about Martin is how much he was loved and cared about by so many people, especially by the many employees of the NY Hilton and their families and all the limo drivers in and around the NY Hilton.
Martin will be deeply missed.
5 comments:
What a wonderful eulogy for Martin. I've met him and he was everything you said and I know you and Kenny are going to miss him.
Love, Mom
I met Martin several times and he was a breath of fresh air; he was always smiling, always happy, and he was just a pleasure to be around. The trips through Manhattan in his Limo were great but his company was really what made it special.
During the short times I met him he made a very positive impact on my life. We need more people in this world like him.
When someone like Martin passes away it makes me think how important it is to take the time to tell people like him how much they mean to us before they are no longer with us.
Kenny
Trish, I am so sorry to hear about this. Martin was so kind to us, so patient with the kids, when he drove us all around Manhattan. I know you guys will miss him greatly. What a wonderful smile he had! We are greatful that we had the opportunity to meet him.
It sounds like Martin was not a "driver" but an ambassador sent from heaven, sent to make all feel important and significant. His footprint on this world will be large based on the way he lived his life. You guys were lucky to know him. There are so many Martin's in the world that should be recognized. If you know another Martin, tell them so. Wonderful memory. Thank you for sharing him...
Like Kenny, I was also well-acquainted with Martin and have been deeply affected by his passing. Recalling him, one realizes just how unique and irreplacable he really was.In every respect, Martin was the quintessential New Yorker- savvy, knowledgable, outgoing, and thriving on his connections to others. And not to forget to mention that he was absolutely generous to a fault. Simply put, Martin was, as one would attempt to describe, a 'beautiful' person.
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