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Hugh E. "Hoot" Martin, Jr.

Hugh E. "Hoot" Martin, Jr., 94, of Templeton, PA passed away on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023 at his residence.

Born on Feb. 5, 1929 in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of the late Hugh E. Martin, Sr. and Dorothy A. (Stroh) Martin.

Hoot was well known for his mechanical ability and engine building skills. He started working on stock cars around 1948 and became one of the top engine builders in the area. He built for dirt track racers Herb Scott, Bob Wearing, Tommy Colella and more. In drag racing he built for Bill Gracie and Carl Schodde among others.

Some of Hoot's accomplishments/ recognitions from his peers were:
Engine builder for Jim McCulley and Scott McCulley "Pulling Tractor Champions"
1959 Champion Car Owner - Pittsburgh Racing Association
1964 Winning Mechanical Performance - Pittsburgh Racing Association
1967 Winning Mechanical Performance - Pittsburgh Racing Association
1967 Hired by David McCall to help build the prototype for the ATTEX, one of the top
names of ATV's
1988 Inducted into the Pittsburgh Circle Track Hall of Fame
2017 Inducted into the Pittsburgh International Dragway Lifetime Achievement Award
"Hoot Martin Engine Builder 1963 - 1976"

Among his amazing skills of engine building, he loved hunting, spending time in his garden, and sharing his knowledge and experiences with the younger generations - in other words, he was a "story teller".

He leaves behind his loving wife, Barbara Moore of 17 years; son, Gary "Kelly" Martin; daughter, Lin Clark; sisters, Helen Mehler, Dolly Libonati, Mary Lou Coyle' along with many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and his four brothers, Patrick, Larry, Pete, and Ed Martin.

"To love someone is not seeing them every day, but keeping them in your heart forever."

Services were held privately.

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