The Diocese of Norwich remembers with gratitude Reverend Patrick A. Martin, who died on March 30, 2026, at the age of 82.
Father Pat was born March 18, 1944, in Caribou, Maine, to David and Amanda Martin. He was the nineteenth of 22 children. His early life was marked by hardship after he contracted meningitis at age 9, leaving him visually impaired. Yet Father Pat persevered, graduating from high school and earning a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees, learning to read one letter at a time.
In his early 20s, Father Pat became a Brother of Christian Instruction. As a Brother, he worked in library sciences at the Main Library in New York City and developed programs to assist others with special needs.
After receiving a special indult from Pope Paul VI because of his blindness, Father Pat was ordained to the priesthood in Norwich, Connecticut, on October 7, 1978. His priesthood became a missionary life of service, bringing the Word of God wherever he was called.
Father Pat often referred to himself as a servant of the Lord and affectionately called himself “that blind priest who goes everywhere that he is called.” Others knew him as “the Wild Canary.” Throughout his ministry, he traveled widely to offer parish missions and retreats, authored five books, and devoted countless hours to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
One of Father Pat’s greatest joys was hearing confessions. He often said it brought him joy to help people return to their faith because he knew it brought joy to the Lord.
In recent years, Father Pat resided at Padua Place, a retirement home for priests and deacons in San Antonio, Texas. There, he continued to celebrate Mass until last year and heard confessions until shortly before his death.
Father Pat is survived by his brother, Paul; four sisters, Lorraine, Germaine Stiles, Anita Vachon and Patricia Kozar; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, priests, religious and friends.
May Reverend Patrick A. Martin rest in the peace of Christ, whom he served so faithfully.