Martin John Maciag, Jr, “Marty,” 79, died August 22, at home after a valiant fight with cancer.

Martin was born December 3, 1941, in Glen Cove, N.Y., to Marjorie (Anderson) and Martin John Maciag, Sr, both of whom preceded him in death.

Marty was a kind and gentle man, choosing to see the good in all people. He lived his life without judgment of others and was always happy to help when requested. His accomplishments and hobbies were many and brought him great joy.

Marty was a veteran of the United States Navy and very proud of his service to the United States during the Vietnam War. He was praised by his superiors for his leadership skills, competence and work ethic.

Marty was a very successful entrepreneur in the calibration industry. Central Connecticut Calibration was a well-respected business for over 35 years and Marty forged many personal connections with his customers over the years.

Marty was an appreciated member of several local organizations, including Hiram Lodge #18 for more than 35 years and the Rocking Roosters Square Dance Club where he and his wife Martha danced for 25 years. They traveled near and far dancing their weekends away. Marty was quite the ambassador for the club, always trying to recruit new members to join the fun!

Marty and his wife were also longtime members of the Newtown United Methodist Church where they ran the monthly spaghetti supper and coffee house for more than two decades. The coffee house was the perfect setting for Marty to sing and entertain with his other musician friends.

Above all of this, Marty loved to fly the most. As a child, he flew remote control airplanes with his father and then later with his own daughter. He obtained his recreational pilot license in his late teens and bought and built several planes during his life.

Marty is survived by his wife of more than 20 years, Martha. His love for her was unwavering and she truly completed him. He is also survived by his daughter, Lauren Shelly, and her husband, Shawn, of Massachusetts; and a stepson, Andy Millett, and his wife, Kelly, of Pennsylvania. Marty also leaves five grandchildren, Alexis Shelly, Julia Shelly, and Shawn Shelly, Jr, Jake Millett and Noah Millett; as well as great-granddaughter, Lydia Fitzgerald, daughter of Alexis.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 18, 11 am, at Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook.

Martha has requested that memorial donations be made to Hiram Lodge #18, 3 Washington Avenue, Sandy Hook CT 06482 or Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook CT 06482.