Constance M. Martin 1924-2024

Connie was born Dec. 26, 1924, in Youngstown’s Brier Hill neighborhood, daughter of Giuseppe and Adelina Bruno. At age 11, during the Depression and after her mother became disabled, Connie and her younger sister, Bridgette, became responsible for all the household duties.

She graduated from Rayen High School in 1942. Connie was a self-taught tailor and, as a young girl, honed her skills by making outfits for her brothers and sisters and donating her time teaching the art of tailoring to young women at the Settlement House and at Father Kane Camp. She went on to become a professional seamstress and tailor working at Hars Custom Suits and Dom Perry Tailors and Haberdashery. She continued her profession working from home making and altering clothing. She branched out into designing and manufacturing custom-articulated teddy bears sold nationally under the name Von Nischwitz Teddy Bears.

Connie had plenty of interests and activities that brought her joy. She donated her time and skills designing and creating all the costumes for plays at St. Christine Catholic School for many years. She also designed and made the wardrobes for Infant of Prague statues at the church.

Connie loved music and could often be heard listening to the iconic sounds of Frank, Dino and Tony on her Bose DVD player, loudly. She had a passion for cooking, especially Italian dishes, for family, friends and anyone with an appetite. She also enjoyed canning fresh vegetables from the large family garden, including her renowned hot peppers in oil that were on the family table for every meal, and passed them out by the jar to everyone she knew. Her epicurean legacy continues, as these peppers are now sold in grocery stores nationwide under the name Monteleone Peppers.

Connie was willing to listen to everyone’s problems and did what she could to comfort and assist through both kind words and actions. She had a graceful, unfailing optimism and was an inspiration to many, with a smile and spirit that lifted everyone around her. She had boundless wisdom, unyielding courage and steadfast faith in God.

Connie will forever be cherished by her children, Frank Martin (Cathy) of Boardman, Tom Martin (Tiffany) of North Palm Beach, Florida, Joe Martin (Sherry) of Pompano Beach, Florida, and Dean Martin (Susanne) of Fairfax, Virginia; grandchildren, Tommy Martin, Lauren Martin, Daniel Martin, Trent Mayer, Chanelle Donato (Simon), Joseph Martin and William Beebe; brother, Anthony Bruno; sister, Bridgette Mahoney; her beloved caregiver and friend, Deborah Jackson; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Together with her parents, Connie was preceded in death by her most beloved husband of 44 years, Joseph N. Martin; brothers, Daniel and Louis Bruno; and sister, Concetta Bruno.

Friends and loved ones may call 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday, May 10, 2024, at St. Christine Roman Catholic Church, followed immediately by a Catholic Mass at 11 a.m.

The family requests that material tributes take the form of donations to St. Christine Roman Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Please visit www.schiavonefh.com to share condolences.

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