Martin Underation

On Wednesday, May 26, 2021, Martin Underation, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away at the age of 66.  He was born on January 2nd, 1955 in Barberton, Ohio to Peter and Mary Underation. He attended Sts. Cyril and Methodius school in Barberton and Barberton High School.   He married Susan Mollohan on May 1st, 1980 and just celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary.  Marty and Sue raised three wonderful children, Jamie, Pete, and Keri. Marty retired from Henkel after a 39 year career as a Maintenance Electrician. In his career, he worked countless hours to ensure his family was always provided for. 

Marty grew up the youngest of seven siblings.  Growing up, he got away with more than anyone else.  His older brothers and sisters can attest to that.  In fact, he wrecked three of his sister MaryAnn’s cars and yet she still let him drive her vehicles.  

Marty found the love of his life, Sue, in 1979.  They were so committed that they had three wedding ceremonies to celebrate their love.  He could always be found holding mom’s hand, giving her a kiss, and laughing together in the kitchen. He and Sue had talked and it was agreed that Sue was not allowed to pass away on a Wednesday, because Wednesday is golf league night.  Sue was Marty’s soulmate. 

Throughout all of his years he was very punctual, running on ‘Underation Time’ a few minutes late, but would be at every event.  He was a faithful Catholic, attending St. Cyril and Methodius and upon closure, at Prince of Peace Church in Barberton.  We often had to sneak in late and stand in the back, finding a pew once everyone stood up.  We knew we were ok if we beat Uncle Pete and Aunt Janice to church.

His procrastination was legendary.  He was amazing at projects, but it would take years to complete. We had a bathroom, stripped down to the drywall for three years, only to get finished because it was time for the house to be sold. 

He had a passion for golf and bowling with his brothers and friends, but his most important passion was his family.   One trip many years ago to the beach the keys got locked in the car.  Marty sent Sue and the kids to the beach to enjoy and waited hours and hours on the blacktop without shoes.  Marty was a beautiful, crispy red that day, the worst sunburn he ever got. 

He loved traveling with Sue.  They made multiple trips to Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean and across the U.S. making cherished memories together.

His commitment to his family was always first, but a close second was his dedication to becoming a better golfer.  He was on a golf course at least a couple times a week once the weather allowed, and even when it wasn’t great golfing weather, he still went out.  One eventful golf outing, he allowed his nephew Joe to drive the golf cart.  The two of them decided to go for a joy ride, which resulted in a flipped golf cart and Marty pinned underneath.  He earned a sprained ankle and a great story.  On all of his golf adventures, he always carried a cigar for himself and others and always had change in his pocket to make quarter and nickel bets on the next shot. 

He had the heart to help all those he knew and even those he did not.  He was willing to stop by and help with car repairs, house repairs, moving heavy stuff, or just to have a beer and talk.  He could show up and find a way to fix anything, anywhere, nothing was ever ‘too’ broken, and everything could be saved to be used sometime. His basement and garage are full of every part or tool you would ever need to complete a project.  He’d often tell you, I have a part for that at home, I’ll be right back. Often coming back many hours later with the needed item and with extra parts you might need.  Every time he helped you, he also took the time to teach you about anything you were working on.  He had a patience that was beyond measure.  Just ask Uncle Jim about his patience working through golf lessons.

Marty was an exceptional man, with a heart that loved fully.  He greeted everyone with a smile, along with a hug or a handshake.  He valued his friends, the Friday Night Group, and their shenanigans which include but not limited to halloween parties, white elephant Christmases and their many travel adventures together.  He gained many friends through his lifelong membership to Slovak Catholic Sokol, participating in leagues and tournaments yearly.

He loved his grandchildren with his whole heart, coming to each of their events and always cheering them on.  He was ready to babysit and help every time we would call, ready to swim and be dunked and jumped on in the pool.  Many a grandchild would be caught in his leg trap only to be tickled and hugged. 

Marty will be missed with our whole hearts.  We feel blessed to have our time with him, but it wasn’t enough.

Marty was preceded in death by his father, Peter, his mother, Mary and brother Joe.  He is survived by his wife Sue, his three children Jamie (Joe) Zollinger, Pete (Beth) Underation, and Keri (Josh) Smith, as well as his nine grandchildren, Trenton, Xavier, Isaiah, Rowan, Vera, Reese, Hayden, Peyton, and Daxton, along with mother in law, Selva Payne, father in law, Donald (Wanita) Mollohan, and his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the SILVA-HOSTETLER FUNERAL HOME, 1199 Wooster Rd. West, Barberton. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 10:00 at Prince of Peace, 1263 Shannon Ave., Norton. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Assoc. To share a memory or send a condolence, please visit www.silva-hostetler.com

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