Thomas E. Marttala

Thomas E. Marttala, 70, passed away on May 12, 2026, at Akron Summa Medical Center after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born on December 31, 1955, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Henry and Aino (Orrenmaa) Marttala. He was a 1974 graduate of Shenango High School and continued his education at Community College of Beaver County PA to earn his Pilot’s license. In his early years, Tom took pride in owning and operating his own painting company in New Castle, a reflection of his strong work ethic and dedication to providing for his family.

On May 12, 1990, he married Joan Redlin, beginning a loving partnership that spanned exactly 36 years. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and unwavering support for one another. Tom was a devoted husband, and nothing brought him greater joy than the life he and Joan created together.

Tom’s greatest pride was his family. He was a deeply loving father to his daughter, Kayla (Brandon) Collins, and a proud and adoring grandfather to Oliver and Elina Collins. He cherished every moment spent with them, and his love for them was evident in all that he did. His family was the center of his world, and he found his greatest fulfillment in being present for their lives and celebrating their accomplishments.

Later in life, Tom found meaningful work that reflected his generous spirit and desire to serve others. As a construction supervisor for Habitat for Humanity of Summit County for 14 years, he found true purpose in building homes and hope with local families in need. He was especially proud of his service, including two international mission trips to Africa and Romania, where he extended his compassion and skills to communities far beyond his own. This work was more than a job to Tom—it was God’s calling that allowed him to live out his faith through service.

A man of strong Christian faith, Tom was a devoted member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Stow, Ohio, and participated in the Via De Cristo Men’s Group. His faith guided his life, shaping both his devotion to his family and his commitment to helping others.

Tom also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including time spent outdoors, especially at the family cabin in Pennsylvania with his brother and brother-in-law. He found joy in hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, and woodworking, but nothing compared to the happiness he felt when surrounded by those he loved.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Joan; his daughter, Kayla (Brandon) Collins; his grandchildren, Oliver and Elina Collins; and his siblings, Henry (Linda) Marttala, Linda (Scott) McClintock, and Judy Morella.

A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, June 28th at 1:00PM at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Stow followed immediately by a casual gathering for coffee and light refreshments starting around 1:45PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his honor to Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, an organization near and dear to his heart.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas E. Marttala, please visit our floral store.