Roy C. Gaskin

Roy exemplified the Greatest Generation. He was a hard-working and modest hero who quietly made the world a better place for his country and his family, with a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye and a Manhattan in his hand.

One of 7 children, Roy was born on November 7th 1924, to Nina and Clem Gaskin in Lake City, Arkansas. As the oldest son, he was put in charge of running the family farm at the age of 14, where he developed his famous work ethic that would carry him throughout his life. He joined the Army at the age of 18 and served his country during World War II in the 76th Infantry Division of General Patton’s 3rd Army.

Following his military service, Roy lived in Chicago, where he met his beautiful bride, Jeanne Martelletti. They moved to Lansing in 1950, where they raised their 5 children. Every day for 67 years, he kept his promise “to treat her like a queen.”

Roy was willing to take on any job, and quickly mastered whatever task was at hand. He cheerfully became adept at managing restaurants, dealing and restoring antique furniture, and laying intricate terrazzo floors. “Roy Boy,” one family friend would often exclaim, “you know everything!” His honesty and personality found a good home at Pat McCrackin Ford, where he earned several distinguished awards and honors over his 25 year career in sales. Years after he retired, former customers would approach Roy and thank him for his help. As an active member of the Church of the Resurrection for 62 years, he volunteered his time as a Eucharistic Minister, the St Vincent DePaul Society and as a board member of Gabriel’s Catholic Credit Union.

And while working hard to support his family, Roy always made time for pleasure in life. He was kind and cheerful to all, and a generous host with a gift of making his home a lively center of activity for family and friends. Anyone who visited “Roy’s Bar” was treated to delicious and beautifully garnished food and drinks, great conversation, and a lot of laughter. If there was good music playing, this jitterbug champion couldn’t keep still; he remains the most memorable dance partner of many fortunate ladies. He was an avid fan of MSU sports, and enjoyed fishing and traveling.

Roy is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mafalda Jeanne (Martelletti); his brother, Emmett of Daytona Beach, (formerly of Lansing); daughter Mary Jo; sons Dennis, Tom and Patrick (Emily Byk); daughter in law, Carol Gaskin; and 9 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Geraldene, Adelene, Bernice (Simmons), Connie (Anderson) and Pat (Gros); and sons, Scott Michael and John Gabriel (Carol).

His family takes great pleasure in imagining Roy’s reunion with his son John and the countless other loved ones who were waiting for him in Heaven.

Visitation will be on Monday, January 5th from 7-9 pm at the Church of the Resurrection in Lansing with the recital of the Rosary at 8 pm.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Ken Coughlin at the Church of the Resurrection at 10:30 am on Tuesday, January 6. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested any donations be made to the St Vincent De Paul Society at Resurrection.

Well done, Roy. We honor your glorious life and thank you for cherishing us all.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com.