Mark Arthur Martin

Mark Martin, a loving father, devoted partner, cherished son, treasured brother, adored uncle, and proud great-uncle, passed away suddenly on December 17, 2025, leaving an immeasurable void in the lives of all who loved him.

Mark was born in Cohoes, New York in 1957. He attended Maplewood Elementary School, LaSalle Institute, and Catholic Central High School. An adventurer at heart, Mark joined the United States Navy at just 17 years old. He later continued his education at the University at Albany, earning a BA in Political Science and Strategic Planning.

Mark retired from the Navy in 1995 after achieving the rank of MSCS (SS). He went on to build a distinguished career as an Offshore Manager and Salvage Master with Britannia’s Gold LTD and SalvOcean, LLC.

Mark is survived by his partner, Kathy Plunkett of Boynton Beach; his daughters, Brianna Martin of Orlando and Chloe Martin and Abigail Martin of Tampa; his parents, Joseph and Therese Sliwa of Troy, NY (predeceased by Robert Martin); his sisters, Lisa Phillips (David) of Latham, NY and Sara McIsaac (Harry) of Wesley Chapel, FL; his nieces and nephews, Amanda Anderson (Matt), Tyler McIsaac, Daniel Phillips (Natalie), Emily Phillips (Scott), and Connor McIsaac; and his great-nephew, Wyatt Anderson.

Being a father was the greatest joy of Mark’s life. He loved his girls unconditionally and cherished every call, visit, and moment with them. During their school years, he was a constant volunteer at events, always showing up to support them.

Mark was a pillar of strength for his parents and siblings. In recent years, as his work travel slowed, he treasured spending more time in New York—checking off items on his dad’s to‑do list and enjoying his mom’s treats. His sisters will forever remember the way he dropped everything to help, whether he was needed in person or simply on the other end of a phone call with comfort and reassurance. In Boynton Beach, Mark found peace, calm and happiness with Kathy and their beloved pets, Bijou and Roxie.

Mark’s accomplishments were vast, though he remained humble. Those who knew him understood the extraordinary life he lived. Following a highly decorated career in U.S. Navy Special Projects and Deep Submergence Units—as a Submariner, Diver, and Manned Deep Submergence Vehicle Pilot—Mark went on to lead numerous cutting-edge, high-profile ocean expeditions. He was internationally recognized as a leader in deep-ocean search and salvage, bringing over 47 years of experience at

sea. His expertise led to features in several National Geographic documentaries and the Discovery Channel series Treasure Quest and Expedition Unknown, earning him the nickname “Hollywood” from his friends in the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. Mark bonded and found a brotherhood with this highly respected group of combat veterans and had recently received his life membership.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Michael’s Church, 20 Page Ave, Cohoes, on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM. A Celebration of Life gathering will follow at the Knights of Columbus, 255 Remsen St, Cohoes.

The family is inviting friends to join them for the internment at South Florida National Cemetery at 10:00AM on Monday, January 5th. We will be lining up in Lane 5.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mark’s memory may be made to an animal shelter or vet organization of one’s choice.