Martin Joseph Pirsic

Martin Joseph Pirsic passed away at home on February 2, 2022.  He is survived by his wife, Rita (nee Bachmann), his daughter, Rita (Art Pellerin) of Vermont, and his son, Martin, of California.  Also surviving are his sister Barbara (Jim Wilson) of North Carolina, his brother-in-law William M. Picco, nephews and cousins.  Predeceased are his Mother, Margaret Salek Pirsic, his Father, Martin Francis Pirsic and his sister Margaret Picco.  He was born in Brooklyn on October 10, 1942.  At age five his family moved to West Babylon, LI where he attended St. Joseph’s Elementary School.  He graduated from West Babylon High School in 1960.  He earned his Associates Degree in Animal Science from the State University at Farmingdale in 1963.  After working as a dairy herdsman at various upstate NY farms, he attended Cornell University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 1969.  While employed as a research technician in Animal Science at Cornell for eight years, he also attended night school at Tompkins/Cortland Community College for accounting courses.  While employed at Cornell, he singlehandedly designed and built his custom made beautiful modest ranch home for his family. After experiencing this accomplishment, he realized his passion, and decided upon a new career path.  After five years working for a company learning masonry, stonework, and carpentry, he decided to venture out on his own, and did so successfully for twenty-five years until his retirement. His excellent workmanship toward his customers provided opportunities that kept him employed for these twenty-five years without need of commercial advertising. After retirement, he continued to enjoy the outdoors, maintaining his home and property, caring for every tree and shrub that he planted in the early 70’s.  Martin had many talents and interests.  In his youth he had Arthur Murray dance lessons and taught his wife, Rita, every ballroom step.  At most dances, Martin and Rita were the first ones on the dance floor and the last ones to leave it.  Rita will always hear him whispering in her ear – one … two … three … as he confidently whisked her across the dance floor.  Martin and Rita were also avid square dancers for most of their 54 year married life.  Martin played beautiful accordion at various gatherings.  Of course, during practice time, he would always be certain to play Rita’s favorite melodies as she worked about the house.  During family hikes he would learn to identify every tree and he thoroughly enjoyed preparing all his firewood.  It is known he had the neatest wood stack of the County.  He loved toiling in his garden growing great vegies and flowers for his family, being certain Rita could see all the beautiful flowers from the kitchen window.  He greatly enjoyed complex Sudoku and many times Rita would hear him cry out, “I’ve got it.” His loving family will deeply miss this strong, quiet, kind and considerate man who taught by example.  Our wonderful memories shall sustain us.  A congregant of Holy Cross Parish, Martin will be buried in St. Anthony’s cemetery in Groton, NY.  Memorials may be directed to Hospicare & Palliative Care Services, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.  Perkins Funeral Home assisted the family.  On-line condolences at www.perkinsfh.com.