John Bligh
- Paraprofessional
George Anthony Martin, a longtime and beloved paraprofessional at PS 77@Brooklyn College Academy, was known for his unwavering, lifelong passion for education for both his students and himself. He died on March 19 after a fall due to heart failure. He was 65.
As a career-long member of the United Federation of Teachers, George dedicated 29 years to District 75 and profoundly impacted the lives of many students. His commitment to education led him to earn a certification as a school counselor, further enabling him to guide students and their families in setting and achieving academic and career goals, though he chose not to shift into the role of counselor officially. “He was able to give a lot of emotional support to the students,” said his PS 77 colleague Glenda Gloudon-Dyre, who retired from teaching in 2021. “They would always go to him with any issue. As a male role model, he was able to help them in ways that I couldn’t.”
Beyond his classroom duties, George was a cherished figure within the school communities he served. He was known for offering advice, devising strategies for academic success, and actively participating in the Brooklyn College Academy community, said his daughter, Ebony Martin Reilly. His love for the school extended to attending basketball games and supporting the Brooklyn College Academy teams.
George began his professional journey on Wall Street, where he worked at brokerage firms EF Hutton and Smith Barney Harris Upham & Co. In 1995, he transitioned to education, joining the New York City public schools as an educator dedicated to supporting students with learning disabilities in grades K-12.
Driven by his passion for education and helping others, George returned to academia to enhance his knowledge and skills and earned several additional degrees. These included an associate’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies; a bachelor’s degree in Business, Management and Economics from SUNY Empire State College; and a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from the College of New Rochelle. On March 2, George proudly walked with his Capella University classmates to receive his master’s of business administration in Management. At the time of his death, he was pursuing a doctorate in Business Administration in Organizational Leadership and Development at Capella University.
“George’s legacy is defined by his love for education and his staunch commitment to opening academic doors for underserved students,” said Martin Reilly. As a special education professional, he traveled with three students into their general education classrooms. “He would always make sure that he fully included his students, and then he would help any gen ed students who needed him,” said Gloudon-Dyre. George was highly skilled at adapting the classwork for his students, she recalled. “He knew the curriculum like the back of his hand.”
George left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students, guiding them toward graduation and helping them embark on rewarding careers and fulfilling lives. His presence was a gift to many, and his passion for making a difference in the world of education will be fondly remembered. Gloudon-Dyre said, “His students told me they are all going to Mr. George’s funeral, because he meant the world to him.”
George is survived by his wife, Karen Martin; his daughters Doreen Martin Wilson, Ebony Martin Reilly and Desiree Martin; his siblings, Jeffrey Martin Jr., Marva Martin, David Martin, Alvin Martin, Sylvia Martin, William Martin, Michael Martin and Mary Bascom; one grandson, Carter Wilson; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 30.
Viewing at 8 a.m. | Service at 9 a.m.
Pentecostal Church of God
2310 Cortelyou Road
Brooklyn, NY 11226
Condolences may be sent to:
The Family of George Martin
729 East 32nd St. Apt. 1
Brooklyn, NY
11210
