Iris R. Martinson

On October 13, 2022, Iris Rugge Martinson passed away at the age of 78. Born on Staten Island, on December 23, 1943, Iris grew up with her parents and two sisters in Annadale. She graduated Tottenville High School and shortly after, married her high school sweetheart, John O. Martinson. They settled in Eltingville, raising three children, Lori Tanzi (Martinson), John H. Martinson and Steven Martinson. Returning to work in 1985, Iris worked as a financial aid officer and later supervisor at the College of Staten Island. Retiring in 2015.

Iris was family driven in all aspects of her life. She enjoyed spending time with family, especially Sunday dinners, taking great pride in preparing signature dishes and desserts. Her greatest joy came from her 9 grandchildren and in celebrating their accomplishments. After the passing of her husband, John O, a FDNY firefighter in 1997 and later her son, John H, a FDNY firefighter who died in the line of duty in 2008, Iris stayed involved in supporting the FDNY with the annual John Martinson Memorial Picnic. She was especially proud to watch three of her grandsons join FDNY. Iris’s greatest attributes were her kindness, generosity, and strength. She ensured her family was taken care of, and they knew they were loved.

Iris is survived by her two children, Lori Tanzi and Steven J. Martinson, her sister Marilyn Lavin, son in-law, Anthony Tanzi, two daughter in-laws, Danielle Martinson, and Jessica Martinson, and nine grandchildren, John Anthony Tanzi, Andrew Tanzi, Matthew Tanzi, Victoria Tanzi, Steven R. Martinson, Jack Martinson, Dylan Martinson, John Patrick Martinson, and Katie Martinson. Iris is predeceased by her sister Barbara Whitman (Rugge).

A visitation for Iris will be held Monday, October 17, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10308. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Messiah Lutheran Church, 205 Jefferson Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10312. A committal service will occur Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 11:30 AM at Ocean View Cemetery, 3315 Amboy Road, Staten Island, NY 10306.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Iris' memory may be made to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation , https://t2t.org/donate/.