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MARTENEY, Dr. Pierre J Dr. Pierre J Marteney, of Manchester, CT, died suddenly Monday (January 18, 2010) at Hartford Hospital of a massive stroke. Born on New Year's Day, 1932 in Ridley Park, PA, he was the older son of Reverend (Col.) C. Walton Marteney and Lorene Rathje Marteney. Music was always a part of Pierre's life. His first public performance was at the age of two, singing "Life is Like a Mountain Railroad". He began playing piano recitals at age six, played trumpet and baritone horn in school bands and orchestras, and was in school plays from high school through college. In 1947, the family moved to the Air Force station in Wiesbaden, Germany, where Pierre's father was Chief of Chaplains. Pierre and his brother Eugene attended high school in Frankfurt and Weisbaden, Germany, with Pierre graduating valedictorian. Attending West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, WV, Pierre started as a piano major, but graduated with a BS in chemistry, a minor in mathematics and emphasis in music, giving a senior recital in piano and serving as accompanist to other performers. Pierre met his wife, Judith Carolyn Gates, at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) while earning a PhD in Physical Chemistry. They married on June 10, 1956, and shortly after Judy received her Masters in Early Childhood Education. The young family moved to Connecticut in 1961 after Pierre decided to take a position with United Aircraft Research Laboratories (now the United Technology Research Center) in East Hartford, CT, where he began a long career as a research scientist, specializing in catalytic combustion and fuel. In 1989, he received an outstanding service award for research in development of fuels for high-speed aircraft. He was author and co-author of many scientific papers and reports, and a member of the American Chemical Society. Upon moving to town, Pierre joined the Manchester Civic Orchestra (now the Manchester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale); held the elected positions of Librarian and President; sang in the Chorale; played piano and harpsichord; and joined the percussion section. Pierre was well-versed in classical music, especially the Baroque, and concentrated his practice on Bach and Beethoven. He built two keyboard instruments, a polygonal (five-sided) virginal and a two-manual harpsichord, both used in concerts with the Manchester Orchestra, and repaired instruments of all kinds. Pierre also served as Choir Director and on several committees at Trinity Covenant Church. In 1970, Pierre was drawn to the Manchester stage by the operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan and went on to become a Life Time member of the Manchester Musical Players. Pierre enjoyed acting, and constructing sets and the occasional prop. He was last seen in the 2009 MMP production of Seussical the Musical as Judge Yertle the Turtle. He and Judy were active members of the Little Theater of Manchester acting or doing make-up, and more recently ushering at the performances. Pierre was honored to be the recipient of the 3rd Annual Hall of Fame Awards for Arts in Manchester. The Blue Shutter Research and Leisure Institute, a family venture, continues to support the arts. The Marteney family has long been involved with town activities. Lutz Junior Museum, the Historical Society, Cheney Hall restoration, and many other organizations have been recipients of Pierre's community efforts. He was an accomplished cabinetmaker and furniture builder and refinisher. Pierre was "Mr. Fix It" installing electrical and plumbing, and renovating his home and his children's homes; repairing and painting cars and lawn mowers; creating award-winning pieces of woodworking; and enjoying tinkering of all kinds. In 2008, the Marteneys won the Manchester Cheney Brother's National Historic Commission Preservation Award on the preservation of their early 1800s home. Judy's preschool, the Blue Shutter Play and Learn School, initially operated out of the home. Dr. Marteney is survived by his wife, Judith Gates Marteney; his daughter, Susan Marteney of Auburn, NY, and her daughter Lydia Marteney; and Martha Marteney of Manchester, CT and her husband, Robert Nelson; his sister-in-law Arline Franquiz Marteney of Harvard, MA; and one aunt, Annabelle Marteney Cruise of Huntington, WV, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother. The memorial service will be held on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Covenant Church, 302 Hackmatack Street in Manchester. The receiving hour will begin at 1 p.m. Burial will be private in Bramlett Cemetery, Harrisburg, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to these organizations which seek to draw one from the everyday cares of life through the inspiration of the arts: Manchester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, PO Box 861, Manchester, CT 06045; or the Manchester Musical Players, PO Box 626, Manchester, CT 06045. The Watkins Funeral Home, 142 East Center Street, Manchester, CT, has care of arrangements. To sign the on-line register book, visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com.