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Father Martin TributeWe continue to mourn the loss of our co-founder, Father Joseph Martin, S.S.
Father Martin died peacefully on the morning of March 9, 2009 in his home in Havre de Grace, MD. We are all grateful for everything that Father Martin did for Ashley and for the world.
Statement from Father Mark Hushen
Today, the entire treatment community mourns the loss of an icon. The death of Fr. Joseph Martin marks the end of an era. Fr. Martin's world renowned "Chalk Talk on Alcohol" changed the lives of thousands of recovering alcoholics. Fr. Martin's humor and spirituality infused his teachings with hope. He believed in the innate dignity of the human person and founded Father Martin's Ashley as an oasis where the alcoholics and addicts could heal. As Fr. Martin passes through death to life his legacy lives on at Ashley as we continue his mission of hope and healing. Truly, the world is a better place for him having been here.
Remembrances about Father Martin
Thank you to all who have sent remembrances and prayers for Father Martin. A small sample is below -- but all thoughts and prayers that are sent to us are shared with Father Martin's family and the Abrahams.
Click here to submit a remembrance.
I cannot recall the first time that I met Father Martin, but it had to be after I met Ruth Fox in 1951-2. She spared me no opportunity to fail to meet other professionals in the field of alcoholism. At this moment, it just seems to me that I have shared this world with him forever. He was one of the "pros," those whose comments were never off-center. There was never reason to question Marty Mann, Ruth Fox and about a dozen others whose work was always accurate and sound. It never occurred to me to ask his age [I was surprised to realize that we were the same]; I needed only to realize his soundness and wisdom.
We are the poorer for his absence and my sadness has no boundaries. Only my conviction of his continued presence warms my heart.
Stanley G.
I just wanted to thank Father Martin for part of my 26 years of sobriety, after seeing him in person twice here in Florida. It really helped put the plug in the jug permanently for me and many others who have had the ETHER and WATER information change their thinking about drinking.
I am sure he will be missed. Thanks again,
Ray S.
My name is Todd J. and although I have never met father Martin, I have heard all that he has done for people in recovery, and my thoughts and prayers will be with the family. May God bless and keep. Your friend in Recovery,
Todd J., Thomasville, GA
I have been inspired by Father Martin. I have been exposed to his videos. As a recovering person and as a substance abuse counselor, I can assure you that Father Martin lives on in Lynchburg, VA.
Robert S., Lynchburg, VA.
I first met Father Martin about 35 years ago in the fellowship and was fortunate to share in his message. The fellowship he has spread helped an untold number who might otherwise have endured a totally different life. He will long be remembered.
Larry W. - Fort Washington, MD
Thank You for Everything you have done for us Alcoholics. You will always be remembered lovingly.
Maria N., Recovering Alcoholic and Addict 4 -17-05
Father Martin saved my father's life and gave me many years to get to know him again that would not have been possible if not for Ashley. I cannot begin to find the right words to express my gratitude. I know your good works will live on.
Ann
Twenty-three years ago, I first saw "Chalk Talk" when I first entered treatment for drugs and alcohol, it stayed with me, and I am still sober.
Thank You, Father Martin.
John K., Little Ferry, NJ
Father Martin’s “Chalk Talk” was the first thing that opened my mind to addiction, thank you Father Martin, God bless you.
Tommy P.
My sincere condolences to Mae and Tommy Abraham, the Martins, and the entire Ashley family on the loss of Fr. Joe. I feel a part of the family having had my husband as a patient there and having been a participant in the family program myself back in 1985. In all of the years since, I doubt a week has gone by that I haven’t shared something I learned there, especially the wise words of Father Joe and Leonard. I’ve always felt so blessed and thankful to have been led to Ashley.
I knew little about alcoholism treatment before that time and was relieved when a nurse at the 10-day program at Georgetown University Hospital handed me some informational brochures, including one for Ashley, that she encouraged our family to consider for my husband. In it was pictured a joyful looking priest whose warmth jumped right off that piece of paper. He gave each of us the sense that this would be a caring environment in which to begin and provide ongoing support for recovery. It was that and more — a start on a path to healing and health even the doctors thought might not be possible. In his honor and memory, I will continue to pass on the wisdom shared with me.
Rest in peace Fr. Joe and much sympathy to all who grieve your loss. My best wishes to each of you.
Linda M.
Thank you very very much for support and help. I saved my life and my marriage.
Charles G., Baltimore, MD
This beautiful man helped me stay sober for years. God bless him.
Don S., Charlotte, NC
The day I walked through the doors of Ashley, I wanted to leave as fast as I got there. Until I met Father Martin. I was sitting in the lobby reading a newspaper and feeling depressed about where I was. Then Father Martin, who was sitting in the eating area, called for me to come sit with him. I did & I listened to one of his jokes. Then he explained Ashley & what it’s about. He told me an addict needs to be in a place like Ashley to have the best chance of making it. He meant having the best of everything and Ashley has the best of everything. He built a paradise…. I loved my 21 days at Ashley. I wished it was 121 days…I’m so glad I got to meet Father Martin. He will always be a special person in my life. He was there when I got to Ashley & he was there the day I left. I will never forget him saying keep your speeches short & to the point...LOL…There will never be another Father Martin. We had the same sense of humor. He will never be forgotten…God Bless.
Mark S.
I was a guest at Ashley in 2005. At that time, Fr. Martin's health was already failing him; however, he still made sure that he could make appearances and speak to those of us there for recovery. Among the many many people that he had seen over the years, he remembered me. He even made a point of speaking an excerpt of poetry that included my name when he saw me. I have never been more honored, nor have I ever been in the presence of such a kind, loving, forgiving man, who, well, remembered my name.
This world will miss him. So will I. Sincerely,
Dawn T.
I heard Fr. Martin talk in Houston in 1976. He helped me realize alcoholism is a disease and not simply a product of me being a bad person, a punished person, or a moral degenerate. What a relief! This paved the way to 33 + years of recovery. Thanks!
Suzy R.
At Father Martin’s, my journey into recovery began and has continued for nearly nine years now. I still remember Father Martin “holding court” in the dining hall, usually in the afternoon. One day, I tried to scurry past but he asked me to come over and talk. I told him I was from Wilmington, DE (at the time), he smiled, and joked that he had heard there were alcoholics in Wilmington. What a wonderful man! He signed my Big Book, the one I still use today. Truly a wonderful man!
Scott B.
Father Joe was one of the people who altered the course of my life while I was in the death throws of alcoholism. Later in my sobriety he held my children; laughed with my family, heard my confession, and taught me important things about myself and my dedication to working with other alcoholics. I loved him for his passion.
Dan S
Recovering Alcoholic (26+years)
1973, Cathedral City, CA: At dusk, a group of recovering alcoholics sat together outdoors on metal chairs that sunk in the sand while we watched Father Martin in "Chalk Talk" on the back wall of a grocery store. This was my introduction to the great man. He had a lot of "great men" in his life and I hope he now knows he was one. We had many wonderful times together at the Betty Ford Center Alcohol Awareness Hour. He loved to go shopping in Palm Springs afterwards, he was a "priestly clothes horse". I saw him dressed as a cowboy in Tucson, AZ. Our paths crossed many times in the early years of Ashley. I feel blessed to have known him and I trust that our paths will cross again, God willing... rest now, Dear One, you have earned it...
Joe C., MD and Sharon
So many thanks are owed to this man and to his gift of bringing the message to so many. I had the privilege to hear him several times, and to have asked him to come talk once. He graciously did so in Salem, MA before the crowd of 900, and I will never forget the amazement of shaking his hand, knowing that my treatment skills have come in large part from his teaching.
Can you imagine the jokes he and God must be telling?
Tom P.
Beverly Farms, MA
While still seeking early sobriety, I was taken to see one of Father Martins talks in Hartford Connecticut in the 1980's. I remember I was so touched that I went to talk with him during the break and again at the end. He remembered my name and that impressed me. I stayed out another few years and then got and stayed sober and this October I will have 20 years. During early sobriety I would listen to every tape Father Joe made, over and over again. Then in my 2nd year of sobriety I met him again at the treatment center I was working at in Florida. He still remembered my name and our conversation of years ago. After that time we met many times and shared many meals. He was a friend and watched me grow into a responsible and loving man. I know he will live on in our hearts and his teaching will continue to touch millions of people per each man or woman he taught to. In time I am sure he will be considered no less then a Saint. Thank you Father Joe, and please keep looking out for us.
Dr Patrick G
Florida
Rest in Peace Father Martin, thanks for every thing.
Ernesto
Guatemala, Central America.
It is with great sadness that I read in this mornings News Journal of the passing of Father Martin. I will always hold a place in my heart for this fine man of God and it is only because of him that I am able to email something like this. I attended Ashley in 1998 and never looked back and was able to celebrate 10 years of continuous sobriety last year. With the help of Father Martin and a loving God I was able to do what I could not do for myself. May God bless you and keep you Father.......Of course I'll take that as a given.
Kerry Flanagan
Oxford, PA
I was saddened to hear the news of Father Martin's death. Every day I give thanks to God for giving me a second chance at life. Without the help of Father Martin, I wouldn't be able to live the life of sobriety that I am so grateful for today. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends; He definitely has made this world a better place and will be remembered by everybody whose lives he has touched.
Fondly,
Diana B
I never had the opportunity to meet Fr. Martin but feel as if I know him. As someone who has 20 years of sobriety and 17 years working in the field of addiction, Fr. Martin has been an inspiration to me both personally and professionally. He truly did God’s work and we were all blessed by him and his work. He will be truly missed. peter
My first thought was that I was so happy to have gone to the reunion last summer to meet my spiritual inspiration. I am saddened by his death, but will always rejoice for his life.
Raymond R.
I have had the honor to listen to Father Martin on audio. Truly an inspiration to all that God planted a seed in him to help fellow alcoholics as myself. He will be sadly missed but I rejoice in know he is with Our Father. May God bless and comfort you at this time.
Vicki S., Recovered Alcoholic
Was ever a man so loved. His contribution to the healing and well-being of all those addicted is still unprecedented. What I recall most about him was his humor. Whenever we were on the same program at conferences, I was overjoyed at the prospect of sitting and listening to his jokes (groaning at many of them to his delight) He told me I was a great audience and his 'Favourite Limey' although I insisted I am half Irish. That got me nowhere. He will be so sorely missed but his legacy will continue for evermore into eternity, not only with love but a large amount of loud laughter. Blessings and peace to his beautiful soul.
Yvonne K.
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