Martin “Marty” Hurst

Martin “Marty” Hurst Diagnosed with GBM December 2013. Passed on to Heaven August 31, 2016. Taken from us to soon. Marty was born I Pittsburgh, Pa on July 4th 1945. He was always a hardworking, giving man. After graduating high school in Monessen, Pa he attended the Electronic Institute of Pittsburgh. He graduated with a 2nd class FCC License which landed him a job as a technician at Westinghouse Electric. He held top secret clearance as the projects he worked on were necessary for government defense and highly classified. In 1968 he accepted a position as an inspector at Levinson Steel where part of his duties included inspecting 105mm shell casings before final shipment to the government. An opportunity for advancement presented itself and he began working for Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel. He became casting foreman after receiving training in Duisburg, West Germany. He was a member of the plants fire brigade as well as a volunteer firefighter in his hometown of New Stanton, Pa. He worked at the mill for many, many years until the mill closed. He then attended Westmoreland County Community College where he graduated with honors with a degree of Associate in Applied Science in Food Service Management. After his graduation he moved to Myrtle Beach, SC where he managed several of the local McDonalds. He also worked with Hardwick’s Bar and Restaurant Supply as a warehouse manager before taking a job with Pepsi as a service technician. He worked for Pepsi until he retired. He was quick to lend a helping hand, a listening ear or offer some good advice. Marty was a kind, giving man always putting others before himself. When Marty was around no one went without anything they needed. He was a proud and humble man even in the face of his illness. He never asked for much for himself but always wished and prayed for a cure. He participated in a clinical trial for a brain cancer vaccine.. In this way he hoped to not only help himself but to help the many others who are fighting the battle. When asked to participate in the trial, the only question he asked was not about the risks but if it would help someone else. He wanted to make a difference. Marty enjoyed “hot rod” cars and going to car shows. He loved spending his days cruising around in his red crossfire convertible. He would put on his “shades” and his driving cap; usually backwards and crank up the classic rock. He loved taking pictures so his camera was always by his side. Marty also enjoyed good food; cooking it as well as eating it. He really enjoyed baking. At Christmas he would make hundreds of cookies and make trays to send out to family, friends and neighbors. He loved desserts best of all and his philosophy was “life is short, eat dessert first !”. Marty was a wonderful grandfather to Evan and Brendan. Always making sure they did well in school and never wanted for anything. They always had a few bucks in their pockets thanks to Grandpa. He always made sure they knew he was so proud of them. Marty was not just our dad but a brave hero, a strong fighter, and the ultimate warrior. We are so proud that he fought with honor and dignity. He is now our guardian angel. In his honor and memory we hope and pray every day for a cure so no one ever has to face this horrible monster called brain cancer ever again. Dad you will always be forever loved, forever missed, forever in our hearts. Until we see you again Dad, we love you!!!