Obituary of Martin E. Lardner

Martin Eugene Lardner (Gene, Marty), 92, of Gasport, passed away on January 8, 2025. Martin was born on June 12, 1932 to Vincent and Margaret Lardner in Lockport, NY. A 1951 graduate of Lockport High School, he attended Erie County Technical Institute and served the US Army in Korea.

In 1956, Martin married Joan (Woock) and had five children. Predeceased by his wife, Joan, and his daughter, Debra Lardner, he is survived by four children, Daniel Lardner, Susan (David) Marsh, Sharon (Gene) Head, and Christopher (Christy) Lardner. “Papa Oh Dear” is also survived by 4 grandchildren & 2 great grandchildren.

Martin was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Mary Schomers and his brother, Vincent Lardner. He is survived by his sister, Shirley Murdoch and sister-in-law, Mary Kay Lardner and several dear nieces and nephews.

Gifted in many trades, he started Martin Lardner Construction, working as bricklayer & masonry contractor, moving on to general construction and foam insulation. His passion for aviation prompted him to begin Martin Aircraft in 1982, specializing in the production of radiators designed for vintage WWII aircraft, from which he retired in 2023 at the age of 91. Furthermore, he built his own home where he lived for nearly 65 years.

Martin was an avid aviator having obtained his private pilots license following his time in Korea and was a longtime member of the Royalton Airport Association. He flew and owned different aircraft over the years, but among his accomplishments was the completion of his homebuilt aircraft after 16 years of labor.

Visitation and Services will be held at Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 10 am and 11 am, respectively. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Martin’s memory to support a Flight scholarship for Niagara County Civil Air Patrol Cadets. Checks should be made out to: WNY Group Civil Air Patrol And mailed to: Brian Wells, Maj, CAP, 4655 Plank Rd., Lockport, NY 14094