Martin Conway Girling

With hearts broken beyond measure, we share the passing of our beloved Martin Conway Girling. He has left us to soon.

 

It is hard to capture the full measure of who Martin was – he was so much to so many. The First born of Susie and Marty, a role that held a special meaning in our family. He was a light in all of our lives from the very beginning.

 

To his Sister and Brother the ache is beyond words We were lucky to have 35 years with a man whose heart was as big as his unforgettable laugh. Martin dedicated his life to lifting up those around him. He cherished his role in the family and built a second family among his friends – each one now carrying the weight of his absence.

 

His kindness and compassion knew no bounds. He was a son, a brother, an uncle and friend who made everyone feel like they belonged. He embraced his role as uncle with deep love and pride loving his nieces as if they were his own and being adored by them in return. He was the ‘FunUncle’ of all times and loved playing with his nieces in the pool or making sand castles or hiding Easter eggs or anything they wanted.

 

To his Aunts and Uncles and cousins, Martin carried within him the same warmth, humor and generosity of spirit that has defined our family for generations. He was a living reflection of the love and bonds we were raised with – a beautiful reminder of the connection that shaped us all.

 

His friendships were deep and wide - to many to count. To those friends, he wasn’t just a friend; he was a brother. His presence made the world brighter, and with his passing that light has dimmed.

 

Even in this sorrow, we hold tightly to the memory of his boundless love, quick smile, and generous spirit. His life, though far too short, made a lasting impact.

 

Martin will be dearly missed but he will live on in every heart he touched.

 

Martin leaves behind:

     Father Dr. Martin Girling, Mother Sue Conway Girling

     Brother Max Girling and wife Sofia and daughter Poppy

     Sister Sara Faye Navarrete and Husband Jorge and their daughters Joella, Mila and Emilie

     Girlfriend, Courtney Pippin

     And many aunts and Uncles and cousins

     Peggy Christ (Gary) Mary -Martin’s God Mother (Fred) and their two children Casey and Anthony Seguiti,           Tim Conway (Diane) and their daughters Katie Robinson (Travis) and Jenny King (Tom)

     Nancy Girling

     G. Wesley Girling (Michele) and their 3 children, George Wesley (Kathy), Laura (Mike), Eileen,

     Cathy Allison and her 3 sons , Michael (Liz) Bill (Kim), Ryan (Victoria)

     Patricia Donleavy (Tom),and their 3 children Brendan (Dana), Sean, Mary Christine (RaphaelKriengl)

     Jane Girling

     Eileen Girling and son Alex Craven ( Maija)

     Michael Girling (Nancy and their 3 children Kathleen (Mike) Erin (Andrew), Michael (Juliana).

     In addition to his aunts, uncles and cousins Martins extended family includes numerous additional cousins.

 

My Dear Martin,

You were the apple of my eye -my heart, my strength, my everything. You gave me joy every single day and that joy is what I’ll hold onto now. I will carry your love with me as I go on, leaning on it to keep living, laughing and loving with the family and friends you cared about so deeply.

You’re always with me, my beautiful boy.

Love always, Mom

 

From Dad

I don’t have the words to fully express the love I have for my three children. Martin, my namesake, had a way of making the ordinary feel special. He especially looked forward to Thursday – those simple evenings when he’d come by and cook or bring dinner and we’d just be together. It became our quiet routine, something I counted on. Now, every day feels a little emptier..but Thursdays will hurt the most.

 

A Funeral Mass will be held at St John Vianney Catholic Church , Blind Pass Road, St Pete Beach at 10:00 am on August 23, 2025

 

Donations in lieu of flowers to St Pete SPCA.  To make a donation, CLICK HERE