CHESHIRE, Mass. —  Fred Arthur Martin, 88, of Cheshire, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Aug. 3, surrounded by family during his final days. Those who knew Fred often said that "he did things his own way," a spirit that stayed with him throughout his life.

Born in 1938 in Adams, Fred was the youngest of five children of Everett L. Martin Sr. and Lila Sitcer. He grew up on the family farm in Cheshire, where he developed a lifelong love of agriculture and Jersey cattle. As an active member of the 4?H Club in his youth, he traveled the countryside showing cattle, earning numerous awards at county and state fairs, and later returning as a respected judge for many years. Through the 4?H exchange program, Fred traveled across the country, and in his younger years he enjoyed square dancing, singing, and taking trips with friends and family.

Fred attended Cheshire School and graduated from Adams Memorial High School in 1956. In recognition of his achievements in 4?H, he received a scholarship to the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass Amherst, where he graduated in 1958 with a degree in Animal Husbandry. He spent many years working the family farm and engaged in the dairy business with his brother, continuing the tradition he had grown up in.

In 1957, Fred married Cynthia Cross and started his family. Though they divorced after raising their children, Fred and Cindy remained friends throughout his life.

Service to his town was a central part of Fred’s life. He joined the Cheshire Fire Department in 1959 as a firefighter and went on to serve as a foreman and assistant fire chief. He retired from the department after an extraordinary 55 years of service. In addition, Fred served on the Cheshire Board of Health as an elected official through the 1970s and 1980s.

After working for several local swimming pool companies, Fred combined his practical skills and entrepreneurial spirit to start his own business, Martin Enterprises, in 1977. Beginning with an office and storefront on Route 8 in Cheshire, he later expanded to Pittsfield as Martin Pool & Spa, where he continued in the pool and spa business with the assistance of family until his retirement. In this field, Fred was a member of the National Pool & Spa Association, eventually serving as a regional president and board member.

Fred is survived by his son, Fred Allyn Martin (Donna Gaylord Martin); his daughters, Julie Drewes (Arthur Drewes) and Andrea Lipinski (Bruce Lipinski); his grandchildren, Jared, Evan, Kylie, and Bryce; and his great?grandchildren, Natylee, Elena, Braelyn, Brady, Aya and Brooks. Also surviving Fred are Jennifer Carter (Donny Horalek) and Stephanie Carter, considered daughters by Fred, and their children; Dominick, Isaiah, Jayden, and Anthony. Fred leaves behind two sisters, Carol Morrison and Barbara Fletcher. He was predeceased by his brother Everett "Gus" Martin and his sister Nancy Tucker.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Cheshire Fire Department, PO Box 598, Cheshire, MA 01225, in honor of Fred’s many decades of dedicated service to his community. There will be a celebration of life gathering on a date to be determined in lieu of a funeral and calling hours.