Charles Martin: Former Albemarle supervisor dies Tuesday
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Charles Martin sat in the Hook's Hotseat in 2003File photo by Jen Fariello
Charles S. Martin, who served three terms on the Albemarle Board of Supervisors and was its first African-American chairman, died at home early April 10 from prostate cancer.
Martin, 57, was on the Board of Supervisors from 1992 to 2003, representing the Rivanna District, and was chair from 1999 to 2000. Before that, he sat on the Albemarle School Board. In 2001, he lost a race for the House of Delegates 58th District, a seat still held by Rob Bell.
Martin attended the University of Virginia on a DuPont scholarship, according to his friend, Dave Bruton, and graduated with degrees in sociology and government. He worked as a juvenile probation officer and was an active member of the Democratic Party.
He was a founder of SARA– the Sexual Assault Resource Agency. "He pushed through many things for women," recalls Bruton.
Martin later headed an organization called Urban Vision, which was geared toward getting people off welfare and into the workforce, says Bruton.
He was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer four years ago, says Bruton, who remembers Martin saying, "Dave, prostate cancer is one of the most curable cancers, and I'm dying from it." In a recent Martha Jefferson publication, Martin urged men to get annual physicals including the prostate screening test.
Martin grew up in Patrick County, and will be buried in Martinsville. A memorial service will be held in Charlottesville at Covenant Church next week.
He's survived by Carolyn, his wife of 30 years, and three children.
6 comments
Rest in peace. What an innovator. Sounds like he devoted his life to public service, including the message to get checked early. Much sympathy to his family and the communities he served.
Charles was a retired juvenile probation officer who, for many years, positively impacted young lives of those he encountered there too. He was a friend, neighbor and colleague. Our children grew up attending the same schools and engaged in many of the same extracurricular activities. His commitment to public service and making the lives of others in our larger community better will never be forgotten. He is gone much too soon at a young age. Condolences to his family. RIP.
Good guy, gone way too soon. My condolences to his family and frIends. Charles was respected by everyone., a rare thing in politics these days.
Charles was a good man. I met him through the Orange County Court Services Unit, where he handled a caseload for the Orange J&DR Court. He was committed to public service, and he worked hard to rehabilitate his clients.
Mr. Martin was a great guy he believed that you have to take initiative for yourself before you could expect help from others. I spent a lot of time around Mr. Martin and his family and will miss him greatly. I am so proud of him, even after he was diagnosed he didn't give up and didn't back down from what he needed to do for him and his family as well as other. I am sending out prayers for his family....
Charles was a good person. He was very interested in his clients and was always polite to his co-workers. No matter where you saw him he always had something positive to say. Our
thoughts & prayers are with his family.
Janice LaPrade - Orange