Gerard "Jerry" Martin

Gerard J. Martin (Jerry) died November 25, 2015 at his home in Willington, CT, from cancer. Jerry leaves his bride of 31 years, Diane, and his two daughters Kristina (Adam) Martin-Clark and Rachele, and grandson, Matthew Clark. Jerry was born on April 18, 1956, one of seven children of the late Joseph and Margaret (Carroll) Martin of East Eden, New York. Brothers Bob (Moira), Mike, Tom (Cheri), and Jim and sisters Jean Edwards, (Jerry's twin) and Carol (Tom) Migdalski survive him. Jerry attended St. Francis High School in Athol Springs, NY, where he played football and ran track. He was inducted into the St. Francis Hall Of Fame and his football jersey was retired. He was the 1973 Connelly Cup winner as the outstanding football player in Western New York. Jerry was a four-year starter on the Syracuse University football team. After a try out with the Buffalo Bills, he returned to Syracuse for an additional year as a graduate assistant and to pursue a master's degree. Jerry completed his master's degree in Exercise Science at the University of Connecticut, and as a graduate assistant for the Department of Kinesiology, he began the design and organization of a strength and conditioning program for all athletes, and taught graduate and undergraduate courses. He was also the Head Physical Wellness instructor for the CT State Police Academy. In 1987, Jerry left UConn for Yale University as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach; he was responsible for the design and implementation of the first comprehensive strength and conditioning program for Yale athletes. In 1990, Jerry returned to UConn for 24 years as the Coordinator of the Strength and Conditioning program for all university athletes. As an adjunct professor for the Department of Kinesiology, he incorporated exercise science and research into the weight room. Jerry spoke at many local and national conferences, and was the co-author of many journal publications. As an inventor, his designs are incorporated into today's commercial exercise equipment. In 2005, he received the Remarkable Individual Award from UConn Jerry achieved a major highlight of his career as the Head Strength and Conditioning coach for the USA Women's Field Hockey National and Olympic teams. The National team won a bronze medal in the 1994 World Cup... the only major international medal ever won by a U.S. team in that sport. As a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Jerry served as a College Strength and Conditioning Professionals' Executive Board Member, was a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with Distinction (CSCS*D) and a registered Coach Emeritus (RSCC*E). He served on many committees and panels and in 2004, he received the National Strength Coach of the Year award. In another career highlight, in 2015, Jerry received the Boyd-Epley Life-Time Achievement award from NSCA honoring individuals who exhibit historical impact, achievement and dedication to NSCA over the course of their careers. The family will greet friends at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic, CT on Monday, November 30, 2015 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. A Memorial Service will be officiated by Reverend Alan Scott at First Baptist Church of Mansfield, 945 Storrs Rd., Storrs, CT on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:00am. A reception will follow at the Deanston House in Storrs. Donations may be made to the: NSCA Foundation, Jerry Martin Scholarship Fund, 1885 Bob Johnson Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 or to the St Francis Foundation (Cardiac or Cancer fund) in Honor of Jerry Martin, 95 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT 06105.