Record Staff Report
Father William J. Martin, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Louisville, died on July 26 at Nazareth Home. He was 72 years old.
Father Martin, a native of Louisville, was ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 1971. He served as an associate pastor and pastor of six parishes.
He served as pastor of St. John the Apostle Church in Brandenburg, Ky., St. Rita, Church and Our Mother of Sorrows Church.
He served as an associate pastor of the following parishes: St. Helen Church, St. James Church in Elizabethtown, Ky., and Holy Spirit Church.
Father Martin also served on the Priests’ Council from 1978 to 1979, as the director of the Diaconate Office from 1981 to 1982 and on the Clergy Personnel Board from 1986 to 1992. He retired in 2010.
Survivors include a sister, Terry Frederick of Louisville, several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated July 31 at 11 a.m. at St. Rita Church, 8709 Preston Highway.
Visitation will be held at Bosse Funeral Home, 1355 Ellison Avenue, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 30 and at Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel at Nazareth Home, 2000 Newburg Road on July 28 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery following the funeral liturgy.
Fr. Bill was one of the most gentle and kindest persons you ever would have met. Heaven has gained a great soul